How Do Hurricanes Get Their Names?

Hurricane season is upon us, and with it comes the inevitable influx of powerful storms bearing down on our shores. From Andrew to Yolanda, these mighty cyclones have left their mark on history, and their names are often all that remains of their devastating impact. But have you ever wondered how hurricanes get their names in the first place? Let’s take a closer look.

The Origins of Hurricane Naming

The practice of naming hurricanes dates back to the 18th century, when sailors and ship captains used nicknames to identify specific storms. These nicknames were often based on the storm’s characteristics, such as its appearance, the location it struck, or its intensity. For example, the 1955 hurricane that devastated the Gulf Coast was known as the “Hoodoo” storm, due to its unusual winds and the mysterious circumstances of its formation.

The Modern System

In the 20th century, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) formalized the process of naming hurricanes. In 1953, the WMO established a list of 21 names, six from each of the 26 letters of the alphabet, to be used for Atlantic hurricanes. The list was designed to be easy to pronounce and remember, with a mix of masculine and feminine names to accommodate both male and female storm victims.

How Names Are Chosen

Each year, the WMO releases a list of 21 names, which are recycled every six years unless a hurricane is particularly destructive, in which case its name is retired. The names are chosen from a pool of submissions from National Weather Service offices, universities, and other organizations. The names are selected based on their sound, ease of pronunciation, and lack of association with any given country or person.

The List of Names

The WMO uses a strict alphabetical order for naming hurricanes, with the first name being Anita and the last being Whitney. The list is as follows:

• Anita
• Brenda
• Chris
• Diana
• Earl
• Florence
• Gordon
• Hallie
• Isaac
• Julia
• Karl
• Lisa
• Matthew
• Nicole
• Otis
• Paula
• Rick
• Sally
• Todd
• Veronica
• Whitney

Why Names Matter

The naming of hurricanes serves several purposes. For one, it helps to personalize the storm, making it easier to remember and track. It also helps to raise public awareness of the storm’s danger, as well as the need for evacuation and preparation. Finally, the naming process provides a way to pay respect to the victims of hurricane disasters, by retiring the names of particularly destructive storms.

Conclusion

As hurricane season approaches, it’s essential to know how these powerful storms got their names. From the origins of hurricane naming to the current list of names, understanding the process can help anyone better prepare for the fury of these mighty cyclones. So the next time you hear a hurricane being referred to by its name, remember the rich history and careful consideration that goes into selecting those names.