Why Do We Name Tropical Storms and Hurricanes?

Why Do We Name Tropical Storms and Hurricanes?

As the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been declared the most active on record, the question of why tropical storms and hurricanes are named has become more relevant than ever. Understanding why storms are named can help us better comprehend weather patterns and prepare for whatever is to come. In this article, we will address the question of why storms are named, who started naming them, how names are chosen, and more—including why some storms have male names and some have female names. We will also answer one of the biggest questions about the 2020 hurricane season: Is Katrina a retired hurricane name?

Want to learn more about how to stay prepared during hurricane season? Check out our complete guide to storm safety here.

Tropical Storm Names: Why Do We Name Them?

Hurricanes and tropical storms are among nature’s most powerful forces, but did you know that each one is given its own unique name? While we sometimes make jokes about the names of hurricanes like Dorian and Florence, there is actually a structured system behind how these storms get their titles. Using consistent naming conventions helps us identify, track, and discuss them, especially when multiple storms occur simultaneously. Assigning names also makes it easier for scientists and emergency teams to make critical decisions in response to extreme weather events.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) follows specific conventions for naming hurricanes. Once a name is approved, it is added to a six-year rotating list for tropical storms and hurricanes, which includes both male and female names. Interestingly, the naming system is not random; it is designed to aid in the identification, tracking, and discussion of extreme weather events.to understand how storms are named and why it is important. to understand how storms are named and why it is important.

Who Started Naming Storms?

Have you ever wondered who started naming storms? It’s a fascinating process that dates back over a century and has since evolved into a critical tool for meteorologists. The first time storms were given names was in the late 1800s by Australian meteorologist Clement Wragge, who began naming storms after characters from Greek and Roman mythology. This system caught on, and by 1953, the U.S. Weather Bureau began assigning female names to storms.

In the 1970s, both male and female names were adopted, which has remained the standard practice globally. Today, the WMO oversees the naming process, using a predetermined list of names that are rotated every six years. Different regions may have their own naming processes, but the goal remains the same: to make tracking and reporting on weather systems easier.

How Do They Pick Storm Names?

If you’ve ever wondered how names like Harvey or Irma are chosen for storms, it’s not a random process. The WMO compiles and maintains a rotating list of names that change every six years. In the Atlantic, storms are given names from eight lists of alternate male and female names. Before a name can be selected, it must be verified by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), which ensures that the name is appropriate.

Why are these names so important? Names help people remember significant storms and make warnings from the NHC easier to understand. This helps reduce confusion, particularly when multiple storms are active at the same time. Occasionally, names are retired when a storm is particularly devastating. You can find the full list of active and retired storm names on the National Hurricane Center’s official site.

Why Are There No XY or Z Hurricane Names?

Each year, the WMO releases a list of names for tropical storms, and you may notice that names starting with the letters X, Y, or Z are never used. Why is that?

The short answer is that these letters are phonetically difficult to understand over radio transmissions. When meteorologists transmit storm warnings, it’s essential that their messages are clearly understood. Therefore, names starting with X, Y, or Z are avoided to prevent confusion. This ensures that the public can accurately understand and act on storm warnings, which is critical for safety.

“The naming of tropical storms aims to improve communication of storm information, ensuring public safety is prioritized.” — World Meteorological Organization.

Why Do Storms Have Male or Female Names?

In the past, tropical storms were often only referred to by their location or number. It was only in the 1950s that the WMO decided to start assigning storms gender-specific names. Assigning names helps the media and the public identify these storms easily, reducing confusion and promoting awareness of dangerous weather events. Gender-specific names alternate to provide consistency and balance in communication.

In some regions, gender-neutral names are also used to reduce bias. For example, the United Kingdom has adopted a gender-neutral naming system for certain storm events. Gender-specific names are helpful for differentiating between storms, especially during active storm periods when multiple storms might occur simultaneously.

Why Do They Name Hurricanes After Females?

The practice of giving female names to hurricanes began in the 1950s when the U.S. National Hurricane Center decided that assigning names would make it easier for people to track and discuss storms. Originally, all hurricanes were given female names as a way to honor the women in the meteorology workforce. By 1979, male names were added, and now hurricanes alternate between male and female names in alphabetical order.

This tradition of alternating names continues today, with the majority of storms being given either male or female names. This practice helps improve public communication, enabling more straightforward and effective warnings.

What Happens if Hurricanes Run Out of Names?

Each year, hurricanes are named alphabetically, from A to W. If more than 21 named storms occur in the Atlantic in a given season, the WMO uses the Greek alphabet, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. This occurred in both 2005 and 2020, which were both unusually active years. While this may sound concerning, strategies and technologies are in place to help prepare for extreme weather events, including more advanced tracking systems.

Has a Hurricane Ever Been Named After a Man?

Yes, hurricanes have been named after men since 1979. The first hurricane given a male name was Hurricane Bob in 1979, which made landfall in Louisiana. Since then, male names have alternated with female names. This change was made to ensure fairness and clarity in storm identification.

Is Katrina a Retired Hurricane Name?

Yes. Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the WMO retired the name Katrina. It will no longer be used for any hurricane, out of respect for the loss and destruction caused by that storm.

Why Do Hurricane Names Get Retired?

Hurricane names are retired when a storm is so destructive that it is deemed inappropriate to use the name again. Retiring a name honors those who lost their lives during the storm and keeps the memory of its impact alive. For example, the name Harvey was retired after the devastating hurricane in 2017 that caused severe flooding in Texas.

Why Are Tornadoes Not Named?

Unlike hurricanes, tornadoes are not given names due to their short lifespan and frequent occurrence within the same region. Tornadoes are typically classified by their intensity using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, ranging from EF0 to EF5. This system helps track the strength and impact of tornadoes without the need for individual names.

At What Wind Speed Is a Storm Named?

Storms are generally named when winds reach 39 to 73 miles per hour (mph). In the United States, this is categorized as a tropical storm and classified as a Category 1 hurricane when it reaches a higher wind speed. Different regions may have varying thresholds, but in the Atlantic basin, 39 mph is the standard wind speed for naming a storm.

What Was the First Hurricane Named After a Man?

The first hurricane to be given a male name was Hurricane Bob in 1979. This marked a change from the previous practice of using only female names, and it reflected an effort to provide more balanced and fair representation in storm naming.

Conclusion

Naming tropical storms and hurricanes is a fascinating process that dates back over a century. This practice helps meteorologists and the public track, understand, and prepare for severe weather. By providing unique names, the World Meteorological Organization and National Hurricane Center ensure that the public receives timely and clear communication during weather events, which is crucial for safety.

Understanding the history and importance of naming storms allows us to appreciate the systems in place to keep us informed. To stay fully prepared for hurricanes and tropical storms, consider investing in a home weather station and a weather alert radio. These tools help keep you and your family informed about the weather in real time.

Staying prepared for hurricanes starts with the right tools. Explore our recommended home weather stations and weather alert radios to keep your family safe during hurricane season.