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Who Names Hurricanes?

Learn more about the organization responsible for hurricane names such as Harvey and Katrina.

Have you ever wondered who names hurricanes? To get a better idea about the process, it’s important to look into the organization responsible for naming storms. That way, you gain a better understanding of why they’re named the way that they are and how being prepared during hurricane season by protecting your windows with hurricane shutters is imperative in many parts of the country. Becoming acquainted with the detection and naming process of tropical storms helps you better understand them and the magnitude of the destruction they cause worldwide.

The following summarizes the history of naming hurricanes as well as the parties responsible for doing so. The process is far more complex than you may have imagined with a lot of thought and effort going into brainstorming, voting on, and finalizing the names of tropical storms. Even different languages are considered in the process to make it easier for people from all across the globe to follow hurricanes as they gain momentum.

The History of Hurricane Names

According to Live Science, hurricanes were originally named after saints who were being honored the day of the event. If a tropical storm was detected on the same day years later, it was given a suffix such as the second, third or fourth. Later, latitude and longitude positions dictated the name given to a hurricane.

In the 1950s, however, the practice was given up in favor of naming powerful storms after the military’s phonetic alphabet (i.e. Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie). That practice was scrapped by the NOAA’s National Hurricane Center who felt that it was ideal to name storms after females in 1953. In the late 1970s, however, men’s names were introduced again and now male and female storm names exist to be rotated out.

Today, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva names hurricanes. It keeps six areas of the globe up-to-date on weather conditions. The United States is one region along with North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. A total of six lists of names with French, Spanish, Dutch, and English monikers exist and are rotated out to ensure that they remain relevant. A committee actually votes on the names being used after considering many factors including who tracks such storms and where they reside.

Invest in Storm Shutters This Hurricane Season

Now that you know more about the organization that names hurricanes, you can share the information with friends and family. They’ll likely find the process as intriguing as you do. It will also help them realize the importance of investing in storm shutters during hurricane season. That way, they’ll feel every bit as protected as you do when you leave your home during a mandatory evacuation.

Palm Coast Shutters offers a variety of options for you to choose from. That way, you get precisely what you need for your home and property. Feel a greater sense of safety and security by exploring what hurricane shutters can do for you. Contact us for an estimate today!