THE SKINNY BLACK LINE STAYS

Ever since last year's hurricanes, most notably Charley, officials with the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Centre in Coral Gables have been considering eliminating the "skinny black line" which marks the most likely path of a tropical storm or hurricane. Yesterday in New Orleans, it was announced that the black line would stay in forecast maps. But NHC Director Max Mayfield is beating the drum to remind people not to count on a storm to follow that line.

In the situation of Charley, the "skinny black line" showed that it's most likely path would take the hurricane near Tampa Bay. But instead, it make landfall near Punta Gorda, nearly 90 miles south. While Charlotte and Lee counties were within the hurricane watch area, many residents there did not pay much attention, believing Charley would simply follow the most likely path. It made a sudden turn, and as a result people in the area had little time to respond.

The NWS sought opinions from emergency services officials, members in the tourism industry, government, and the general public.

It's likely less confusing to keep the status quo, but people in the "cone of death", as it's generally referred to, should always be aware and prepare when they are within it. There are still many questions about tropical storms and hurricanes, and they are not predictable many times as they approach landfall.