diff --git a/metplus/wrappers/cyclone_plotter_wrapper.py b/metplus/wrappers/cyclone_plotter_wrapper.py
index 5edc6333e5..17feb54ea9 100644
--- a/metplus/wrappers/cyclone_plotter_wrapper.py
+++ b/metplus/wrappers/cyclone_plotter_wrapper.py
@@ -490,7 +490,8 @@ def create_plot(self):
 
         # Dummy point to add the additional label explaining the labelling of the first
         # point in the storm track
-        plt.scatter(0, 0, zorder=2, marker=None, c='',
+        colors = []
+        plt.scatter(0, 0, zorder=2, marker=None, c=[],
                     label="Date (dd/hhz) is the first " +
                             "time storm was able to be tracked in model")