 Late on February 22 , the JTWC upgraded the storm to the equivalent of a minimal hurricane , while the MFR estimated peak 10 ‑ minute winds of 110 km / h ( 70 mph ) . This was based on a 100 km ( 60 mi ) wide eye feature that had developed in the storm 's center . Around the time of peak intensity , Felicia passed about 500 km ( 310 mi ) southeast of Rodrigues . The interaction of the trough and a ridge to the east increased wind shear , causing the storm to weaken . On February 24 , the storm became extratropical while still maintaining a well @-@ defined circulation . It slowed and looped back to the northwest due to a ridge to the south , gradually becoming less defined and dissipating on February 26 . 
