[metmom]

Are the waters up north warm enough for a Cat 2, 3 or 4?

Not really. The water temp has to be 80 minimum.

That's a major reason that the hurricanes die out as they head north.

The other reason is that going up along the coast cuts off a huge chunk of their fuel, warm water. They can't keep going when there's land nearby. Nothing to fuel them.

[Paul R.]

Didn't Sandy sort of stay in the Gulf Stream until it made it's turn? I recall NHC saying something about it crossing the "North Wall" of the Gulf Stream, about a day ago, and not expecting much more intensification due to that.

(I could probably overlay some maps, but it's easier to just ask!)

I'm probably wrong, but I don't ever remember one heading this far North, and then abruptly turning and accelerating westward. Watching the GOES satellite loops and seeing Sandy make that turn and "take off" to the West was what really made me start thinking "uh-oh!"