How Are Hurricanes Named or Classified?

Hurricanes, also known as typhoons or cyclones, are intense tropical storms that can bring significant devastation and disruption to coastal communities. To manage these powerful storms and provide early warnings, meteorologists use a system of naming and classification. In this article, we’ll explore how hurricanes are named and classified to help you better understand these powerful weather systems.

The Naming Process

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is responsible for naming hurricanes globally. The organization has established a set of rules and guidelines for naming hurricanes, which ensures that the same names are not used in different regions or in the same year. The naming process involves the following steps:

1. List of Names: The WMO maintains a list of names from which hurricanes are named. The list includes 21 names for each year, with five names reserved for the Atlantic and five for the eastern Pacific.
2. Rotation System: The names are rotated every six years, with the exception of women’s names, which never repeat in a given year.
3. Naming Lists: There are several lists of names, including:
   • Atlantic list (for hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean)
   • Eastern Pacific list (for hurricanes in the eastern Pacific Ocean)
   • Western Pacific list (for typhoons in the western Pacific Ocean)
4. Retiring Names: If a hurricane causes significant damage or loss of life, its name is retired from the list to show respect for the victims and to avoid stigmatizing a particular name.

Classification System

The WMO uses a classification system to categorize hurricanes based on their wind speed, central pressure, and potential damage. The classification system is as follows:

1. Category 1: Winds speed of 119-136 km/h (74-84 mph), central pressure of 980-999 mbar (29.06-29.53 inHg), and potential damage of minimal to moderate.
2. Category 2: Winds speed of 137-177 km/h (85-110 mph), central pressure of 965-979 mbar (28.5-29.05 inHg), and potential damage of moderate to significant.
3. Category 3: Winds speed of 178-210 km/h (111-130 mph), central pressure of 950-964 mbar (28.05-28.49 inHg), and potential damage of significant to catastrophic.
4. Category 4: Winds speed of 211-250 km/h (131-155 mph), central pressure of 930-949 mbar (27.46-28.04 inHg), and potential damage of catastrophic to extreme.
5. Category 5: Winds speed of 251 km/h or higher (156 mph or higher), central pressure of 920 mmbar (27.13 inHg) or lower, and potential damage of extreme to catastrophic.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the naming and classification systems, meteorologists also consider other factors to forecast the impact of a hurricane. These include:

1. Storm Surge: The rise in sea level due to the storm, which can cause coastal flooding and damage.
2. Rainfall: The amount of rainfall a hurricane can bring, which can lead to flooding and landslides.
3. Sustained Winds: The maximum sustained wind speed, which determines the category of the storm.
4. Eye of the Storm: The center of the hurricane, which is typically calm and clear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hurricanes are named and classified using a system developed by the World Meteorological Organization. The naming process involves rotating lists of names every six years, while the classification system categorizes hurricanes based on their wind speed, central pressure, and potential damage. By understanding the naming and classification process, you can better prepare for hurricanes and stay informed about these powerful weather systems.