How to Do They Name Hurricanes

Hurricanes are powerful storms that can bring devastation and destruction to entire communities. One of the most important things to know about these storms is how they are named. In this article, we will explain the process of naming hurricanes and the significance of this practice.

A Brief History of Hurricane Naming

The practice of naming hurricanes dates back to the 19th century. In the 19th century, hurricanes were often referred to by their longitude and latitude coordinates. However, as the storms became more destructive and made landfall in populated areas, it became clear that a more descriptive and memorable way to identify these storms was needed.

In the 1950s, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began using female names to identify hurricanes, following the precedent set by the military during World War II. The practice of using female names was continued until the 1970s, when male names were introduced to the list. The practice has been continued to this day.

How Hurricanes Get Their Names

The process of naming hurricanes is overseen by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The WMO maintains a list of 21 male and female names for each year, which are selected from a pool of over 800 names. The list of names is recycled every six years, with the exception of names that were retired due to the severity of the damage caused by a particular hurricane.

The process of naming a hurricane begins when a tropical cyclone is detected and tracked by the NHC. Once the storm is determined to have sustained winds of 39 mph or higher, it is given a name. The name is selected from the list of available names, with the first name being assigned to the storm based on its location in the list.

Why Are Hurricanes Named?

Hurricanes are named to make them easier to identify and communicate about. Without names, the storms would have to be referred to by their longitude and latitude coordinates, which can be confusing and difficult to remember. By giving hurricanes names, it is easier for the public to understand and respond to storm warnings and alerts.

Naming hurricanes also helps to personalize the storm and make it more relatable to the public. When a hurricane is named, it can help to raise awareness of the potential danger and encourage people to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

How to Keep Track of a Hurricane’s Name

There are several ways to keep track of a hurricane’s name and any updates on its status. Some ways to stay informed include:

• Following local news and weather reports
• Monitoring the National Hurricane Center’s website and social media accounts
• Signing up for emergency alerts and updates from your local government
• Downloading a hurricane-tracking app or website

Conclusion

Naming hurricanes is an important process that helps to make the storms more relatable and easier to communicate about. By understanding how hurricanes are named and how to keep track of their status, you can better prepare yourself and your loved ones for the potential impact of these powerful storms.