Although it may appear intensification has a slim chance of occurring, there are several special cases in which it may happen. These cases can be developed based on size and position of the storm.

Case 1: If the hurricane is small in size, the ratio of Gulf Stream area to surrounding area under the storm will increase (Figure 1). Thus, the storm will receive more energy from the Gulf Stream than a larger storm, relative to the size of the storm. Therefore, intensification may occur.

 
Case 2: A hurricane coming off of land and crossing the Gulf Stream. (Figure 2) Here the hurricane is coming from a region where it has no energy source (land), to open ocean with warm waters. Thus, the hurricane's incoming energy will increase, perhaps causing intensification.
A possible path for a hurricane coming off of land.
Case 3: When a hurricane approaches the Gulf Stream, from the east and then veers away, part of the storm is over the Gulf Stream, and very little of the storm is over land. In this position, the storm will be obtaining more energy due to the Gulf Stream, and will not be losing energy over land. Two of the three 1990s storms that intensified over the Gulf Stream did so in this manner.

 
An example of a path for a storm that approaches the Gulf Stream, then veers away.
Case 4: At Cape Hatteras, off of the coast of North Carolina, the Gulf Stream leaves the coastline and enters open ocean. If a hurricane were to cross here (Figure 4), it would still be almost completely over ocean, and could achieve a position in which the Gulf Stream could have a major influence in its supply of energy. One of the three 1990s storms that intensified over the Gulf Stream did so in this manner.
A path for a hurricane crossing the Gulf Stream off the coast of North Carolina.
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