Ricreig, are you reading my mind from FL?? I heard the story about the 'New Graphics' on the drive to work tonight. First thing that crossed my mind, was that NHC/TPC liked Skeetobite's maps so much they decided to use them.

Second thought was. They not only need to Change the track plot maps, but they way they average the info.
Hurricane Charley had made his course change, with very minor flucuations, a FULL 12 hours, AHEAD of the decision to include the Ft Myers and Punta Gorda area.
Take each position. Plot it. AND then connect the line or lines. If it's moving NE then warn the folks NE of the storm not the ones NW of the storm where the "computer" averages the track plot.
I'll get back on subject at hand. I agree with Richard on the 'circles'. Too vague in definition. Could be easily confused with storm getting larger, also.
Skeetobite's maps ROCK . If anyone can improve the NHC maps, I would look to him first.
I do think, and will comment to NHC, the track heading formula needs a MAJOR adjustment. Sorry Punta Gorda had to be the 'test city.'
In short. There are 4:49 left in the 2004 'cane season. From my house. Using GMT, it was over 1:11 ago.