The hurricane name lists are an essential component of the tropical cyclone naming system, which is used to identify and track storms in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins. The lists, maintained by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), are recycled every six years, with the exception of names that are particularly deadly or destructive, which are retired from use. In this article, we will delve into the world of hurricane name lists, exploring the history behind the naming system, the current lists, and the predictions for future storms.
History of Hurricane Naming
The practice of naming hurricanes dates back to the early 20th century, when storms were identified by their latitude and longitude coordinates. However, this system proved to be cumbersome and confusing, particularly when multiple storms were present in the same area. In the 1950s, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began using a phonetic alphabet, with names such as Able, Baker, and Charlie, to identify storms. This system was later replaced by the current naming system, which uses a list of 21 names, alternating between male and female names, and including names from various cultures and languages.
Current Hurricane Name Lists
The current hurricane name lists for the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins are as follows:
| Basin | 2019 List | 2020 List | 2021 List |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic | Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, Wendy | Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Ike, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, Wilfred | Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Elsa, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Julian, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, Wanda |
| Eastern Pacific | Alvin, Barbara, Cosme, Dalila, Erick, Flossie, Gil, Henriette, Ivo, Juliette, Kiko, Lorena, Mario, Narda, Octave, Priscilla, Raymond, Sonia, Tico, Velma, Wallis | Amanda, Boris, Cristina, Douglas, Elida, Fausto, Genevieve, Hernan, Iselle, Julio, Karina, Lowell, Marie, Norbert, Odile, Polo, Rachel, Seymour, Tina, Vance, Wendy | Andres, Blanca, Carlos, Dolores, Enrique, Felicia, Guillermo, Hilda, Ignacio, Jimena, Kevin, Linda, Mario, Nora, Orlene, Paine, Roslyn, Seymour, Tina, Vicente, Willa |
The lists are recycled every six years, with the exception of names that are retired from use due to their association with particularly deadly or destructive storms. For example, the names Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey were retired from use after the devastating storms of 2005, 2012, and 2017, respectively.
Predictions for Future Storms
While it is impossible to predict with certainty which names will be used in a given year, the NHC uses a combination of statistical models and historical data to forecast the number and intensity of storms in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins. According to the NHC’s predictions, the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be above-average, with 14-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes. In the Eastern Pacific, the 2022 season is expected to be near-average, with 14-18 named storms, 6-9 hurricanes, and 2-4 major hurricanes.
In conclusion, the hurricane name lists are a critical component of the tropical cyclone naming system, providing a clear and concise way to identify and track storms. By understanding the history behind the naming system, the current lists, and the predictions for future storms, we can better prepare for and respond to these powerful storms. Whether you are a meteorologist, an emergency manager, or simply a concerned citizen, staying informed about the latest developments in hurricane forecasting and naming is essential for staying safe during these events.
What is the purpose of the hurricane name lists?
+The purpose of the hurricane name lists is to provide a clear and concise way to identify and track storms in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins. The lists are recycled every six years, with the exception of names that are retired from use due to their association with particularly deadly or destructive storms.
How are hurricane names chosen?
+Hurricane names are chosen by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) from a list of names submitted by countries in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins. The names are chosen based on a variety of factors, including cultural and linguistic diversity, and are intended to be easy to pronounce and remember.
What happens to retired hurricane names?
+Retired hurricane names are removed from the list of available names and are no longer used to identify storms. The names are typically retired due to their association with particularly deadly or destructive storms, and are replaced by new names in the next available slot.
