Do you know how hurricanes are named?
Have you ever wondered how hurricanes get their names? The naming of hurricanes is a long and complicated process that starts well before a storm becomes a hurricane. Hurricanes are first identified by weather forecasters with the help of satellite imagery and other data. So how does a hurricane get its name?
How are hurricanes named?
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has a list of rotating names for both Atlantic and Eastern Pacific storms. The name lists are recycled every six years, with a different list used each year. Each year the list rotates.
Hurricane names history
Prior to naming storms, hurricanes used to be referred to by their current latitude and longitude. However, this led to confusion and clerical errors. So the basic naming option was developed. This had huge advantages for communicating easily about storms between hundreds of weather stations, coastal bases, and ships at sea.
The first formal system for naming storms was developed in the late 1800s by the United States Navy. At that time, storms were named after the ship's commanding officer, his wife, or another female relative. In 1950, the U.S. Weather Bureau began giving storms alphabetical names starting with "A."
In 1953, the Weather Bureau began using female names for Atlantic storms and male names for Pacific storms. The practice of using only women's names was discontinued in 1978 due to public outcry over the lack of male storm names. Today, both men's and women's names are used for all types of storms. Male and female names are rotated for both Pacific and Atlantic storms.
What happens if they run out of tropical cyclone an hurricane names?
Until 2021, if the list of names for the season were exhausted (like it was in 2021), a list of supplemental names using the Greek alphabet was ready to go. But, the World Meteorological Organization released a statement in 2021 saying that "the Greek alphabet will not be used in future because it creates a distraction from the communication of hazard and storm warnings and is potentially confusing."
There is now a current list of supplemental names that conform to the current naming conventions.
Recent hurricanes that have hit North Carolina and what names they had
In September 2018, Hurricane Florence caused catastrophic flooding in the Carolinas. The storm dumped more than 30 inches of rain in some areas, and more than 1,000 people were rescued from floodwaters.
In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew caused significant damage in North Carolina. The storm killed at least 26 people in the state and left more than $4 billion in damage.
In August 2011, Hurricane Irene caused major flooding and widespread power outages across North Carolina. The storm killed at least 24 people in the state and left more than $2 billion in damage.
List of Atlantic hurricane names for 2024
Retiring a name
After a hurricane has caused significant damage, the World Meteorological Organization meets to decide whether or not to retire that particular name from the rotating list of names.
At the meeting, they consider many factors such as the death and destruction toll, the amount of damage, and how costly it is to repair.
This year, Hurricane Irma was retired from the list after devastating several Caribbean islands and causing major destruction in Florida.
Another hurricane that was retired this year was Hurricane Harvey, which caused catastrophic flooding in Texas.
Since 1953, when storms were first named, only 86 names have been retired.
Is your name on the hurricane names list?
It’s important to be aware of the hurricane names list for the upcoming season. You can check if your name is on the list by visiting the World Meteorological Organization name site. Be sure to prepare yourself and your family for the potential impacts of a hurricane. Have a plan in place and stay safe!
