Storm names 2022: Why do storms have names? How are they chosen?

Following the storm names reveal for 2022/23, here is everything you need to know about why storms have names.

The Met Office has announced the first three storm names for 2022/23: Antoni, Betty and Cillian.

So we have explained the process behind choosing storm names and why they are selected in the first place.

Why are storms named?

Stormy weather in Yorkshire. (Pic credit: James Hardisty)Stormy weather in Yorkshire. (Pic credit: James Hardisty)
Stormy weather in Yorkshire. (Pic credit: James Hardisty)
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The decision to name storms was implemented by the Met Office in 2014, following America. On November 10, 2015, the first storm was named Abigail.

The Met Office believed that naming the storms would raise more awareness and alertness of them and how dangerous they can be.

It was also thought that by using names for each storm, the public can easily follow its status on all platforms; TV, radio, social media and so on.

How are they picked?

Just like with any democracy, the Met Office asks the public for suggestions for storm names.The most popular names are compiled into a list, as well as the names suggested by Met Eireann (the Irish Met Office).

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The final selection of names are put in alphabetical order and they alternate between male and female names.

The 2021/22 storm names are Arwen, Barra, Corrie, Dudley, Eunice, Franklin, Gladys, Herman, Imani, Jack, Kim, Logan, Meabh, Nasim, Olwen, Pol, Ruby, Sean, Tineke, Vergil, and Willemien.

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