Weather

Here’s what to know about the 2022 hurricane season names

It’s been more than three months since the last tropical system in the Atlantic, the erratic Tropical Storm Wanda. But, we are now less than 100 days until the official start of the 2022 hurricane season on June 1.

The 2021 season was the third-most active on record with 21 named storms, and the second season in a row when all 21 names were used. 2021 was also the sixth straight year to see above-average tropical activity.


What You Need To Know

  • There are less than 100 days until the official start of hurricane season
  • The 2022 Atlantic tropical name list was last used in 2016
  • Forecasters started naming storms in 1950
  • A supplemental names list replaced the Greek alphabet in 2021 if more than 21 storms are named

How and when are storms named?

A storm is named when it achieves tropical storm status (winds of 39 mph or higher). It becomes a hurricane when winds reach 74 mph, but keeps the same name.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) creates the lists of names, and each list is cycled every six years. Each list contains 21 names, alternating between male and female names.

History of storm names

Before 1950, storms were noted by their latitude and longitude. This proved problematic when trying to relay information to the public.

It was confusing, so meteorologists streamlined this process using the phonetic alphabet to name the storms (Able, Baker, Charlie, etc.). 

Starting in 1953, storms were given female names. Rumor has it that a member of the committee was angry at his wife and wanted to name a storm after her. 

Whether or not that’s true, the first named storm of the 1953 season was Alice. All-female names continued until 1979, when male names were added to alternate within the list.

Greek alphabet

Prior to 2021, after the 21 names were exhausted, the Greek alphabet was used. 2005 and 2020 were the only two seasons to feature the Greek alphabet. 

However, this proved difficult for several reasons, including what would happen after a storm was so destructive the name should be retired, as was the case for Eta and Iota in 2020. 

Additionally, coronavirus variants use Greek letters, adding to possible confusion.

Supplemental name list

To account for these issues, the WMO created a supplemental names list. This list featured another 21 names from A to W that alternates male and female names. This list will remain the same each year, only swapping out a name if it is retired. 

While the official season begins June 1, tropical activity can develop outside of this timeframe, so the National Hurricane Center will begin issuing regular Tropical Weather Outlooks on May 15, 2022.

Hurricane preparedness kit

Now is the time to reevaluate your hurricane prepardness kit. According to the Federal Emergency Managment Agency, your kit should include, at minimum: 

  • Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
  • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
  • Flashlight.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
  • Extra batteries.
  • First aid kit.
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items.
  • Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife.
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
  • Cellphone with charger.
  • Family and emergency contact information.
  • Extra cash (ATMs might be inoperable).
  • Extra fuel for generator and car.

Depending on your family’s requirements, you may need to include medical care items, baby supplies, pet supplies and other things, such as extra car and house keys.

Additional supplies might include towels, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors and work gloves.

 

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