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Why name cyclones ?
The practice of naming storms (tropical cyclones) began years ago in order to help in the quick identification of storms in warning messages because names are presumed to be far easier to remember than numbers and technical terms. Many agree that appending names to storms makes it easier for the media to report on tropical cyclones, heightens interest in warnings and increases community preparedness.
How did we choose these names ?
In order to choose the name of a cyclone there is a list made by WMO (World Meteorological Organization also known as OMM organisation météorologique mondiale in french). People working there make a list of 21 names in alphabetical order, altering between masculine and feminine names for each one of the seven basins around the world. These names are from different origins giving them a lot of variety. And these lists are exchanged between the different basins each year. Which means that the same names come back every six years. If the 21 names aren’t enough, there is an “emergency list” of names that can be used.
Why Are Some Typhoon Names Retired?
Some cyclone names are erased, or retired, when a storm becomes particularly deadly or destructive. This helps honor the victims and prevents future distress or confusion. Names are typically retired if a cyclone causes high fatalities, severe economic or structural damage, or gains significant notoriety. The decision to retire a name is made by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and regional meteorological agencies. For example, in the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, the National Hurricane Center manages name retirements. In the Western Pacific, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) retired cyclone names if the storm causes over ₱1 billion in damage or more than 300 deaths. In the Indian Ocean, names are not retired but replaced after each season. The naming of cyclones dates back to the 19th century and was formalized during World War II. Retiring names ensures that future storms do not cause confusion when referring to past disasters.
Naming cyclones allows for quick and efficient identification of storms, making it easier to communicate warnings and improve community preparedness. The naming process is managed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which creates lists of names alternating between genders and cultural origins, reused every six years. However, some names are retired when a cyclone causes significant damage or a high number of casualties, to prevent confusion and honor the victims. This practice, in place for decades, helps improve the management of extreme weather events.
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