Jamaica prepares for ‘catastrophic’ category 5 storm to make landfall early Tuesday local time; track the Hurricane’s path
Have you ever wondered why hurricanes get names like Katrina, Harvey or Ida? The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says naming tropical cyclones makes it quicker and easier to share warnings, raise public awareness and track storms – especially when several are active at the same time.
Naming hurricanes also helps meteorologists, emergency crews, and the media avoid confusion and makes it easier to keep historical records of storms.
A man reinforces a roof before Melissa’s arrival in Kingston.Credit: access point
Historically, storms were often named after something they affected; for example, “Hurricane Antje,” named after a ship it damaged. Later scientists used coordinates (latitude and longitude) to identify storms, but this became complicated as information was shared around the world.
By the mid-20th century, meteorologists began using short, familiar names instead. In 1953, the US National Hurricane Center began using female names for Atlantic storms. Male names were added in 1979, and since then the lists have alternated between male and female names.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has warned residents that conditions are worsening as Hurricane Melissa approaches.Credit: Bloomberg
WMO now oversees the naming process worldwide. Each region has its own list of names that changes every few years.
In the Atlantic and Southern Hemispheres, names are arranged in alphabetical order and alternate between male and female. In other areas, names may be chosen in order of contributing countries.
Names are not chosen according to specific people. Instead, they should be short and easy to pronounce, appropriate across languages and cultures, and unique in their region.
