although forecast to weaken to a tropical depression, noel maintained minimal tropical storm intensity as it curved to the northwest. following a decrease in shear, noel regained hurricane status on october 5 about west-southwest of the azores. it turned to the east, and the return of unfavorable conditions caused it to weaken to a tropical storm by october 6. a day later, noel weakened below tropical storm strength as it transitioned to an extratropical cyclone. the remnants lasted until late on october 7 until they were absorbed by a cold front.