What's Happening?
The process of naming hurricanes has been a systematic practice since 1953, when tropical systems with sustained winds over 39 miles per hour are given names. Initially, only women's names were used, but since 1978, both male and female names have been alternated in the northern Pacific Ocean, and this practice was extended to the Atlantic Basin in 1979. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is responsible for creating the list of names, which are rotated every six years unless a name is retired due to a storm's significant impact. The naming system excludes the letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z to ensure names are easily recognizable. In years with more than 21 named storms, the Greek alphabet is used, as seen in 2005 and 2020.
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Why It's Important?
Naming hurricanes is crucial for effective communication and public safety. The use of short, memorable names helps reduce confusion, especially when multiple storms occur simultaneously. This system aids in the dissemination of warnings and information, which is vital for preparedness and response efforts. The retirement of names after particularly deadly or costly storms underscores the impact these events can have on communities. The naming process reflects the geographical diversity of the regions affected, using names from English, Spanish, and French languages. This practice highlights the importance of international cooperation in meteorological efforts and disaster management.
