Change the naming convention for tropical cyclones

[Mr Eyewall]

As you know, the current naming convention rotates a list of names every six years based on the calendar year. Instead of this approach, I recommend using a single master list of names without repeating any one name. The list will be continuous and not tied to the calendar year.

There are several advantages to this modified approach:
1. By not reusing names, each tropical cyclone will have a unique identification for historical reference. The current naming convention can create confusion for the public when referencing tropical systems through history. For example, the U.S. has experienced three hurricanes with the name “Bob” (1979, 1985, and 1991).
2. All names will be used instead of continually reusing those at the beginning of the list. For example, this year, the names of Alberto, Beryl, and Debby will be used for the SIXTH time. Yet, on the same list, names such as Oscar, Sandy, and William have not been used once.
3. By not recycling names, the annual administrative burden related to deciding which ones to retire will be eliminated for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
4. During very busy seasons, conventional names will continue to be used instead of resorting to the Greek alphabet.

The WMO can develop a master list of 200 – 250 names and periodically add to it (perhaps once every 10 years) as the list is drawn down. The list will contain running sets of names from A to Z.

I strongly believe the public will be receptive to this enhanced naming approach.

[brunota2003]

good idea, now, eventually you will run out of names, so then what?

[WindRunner]

It's a great idea for the next 15-20 years. Unfortunately, then you reach the trouble spot - no more names that you can pronounce. Unless you would cycle this superlist (with retirements), it's not a feasible approach from the WMO's long-term perspective.

Edit: Well, it might even be up to 30, but definately no further in this cycle.
And welcome to the board (for your first post, anyway )

[Tampa Bay Hurricane]

good idea, now, eventually you will run out of names, so then what?

well if theres thousands of possible names in english language
or similar languages it will take hundred years or so to run out...
but after a hundred years when you run out...i guess use eh...
Martian or science fiction names....and when you run out of those
oh well....i am confused sorry

[HURAKAN]

If we had so many names then there won't be so many MARIAS, JOSES, JOHNS ....

[HurricaneBill]

I say do it like they used to do with typhoons. Have the 6 lists, but move onto the next list only after the first list is completed.

Storms could still be retired, the names further down would get a chance to be used, and it would be a while before a name would get used again.

[CHRISTY]

hey..

[StormScanWx]

I like the current method, except what I propose is we have 11 lists, a list to be used every 10 years, 2005 will be used again in 2015, 2009 will be re-used in 2019. The 11th list would be the auxillary list, used if one year ran-out of names. If we ran out of names on the auxillary list (hopefully that would never happen!! ) we could go to the Greek Alphabet.

Mr Eyewall, IMHO, your method would be extensively confusing to the general public, as they wouldn't know where we stopped, what we start on next, etc. Just my 2 cents.

[JonathanBelles]

i like that one with 11 lists

[george_r_1961]

If we keep numbering tropical depressions what happens when we run out of numbers?

[Hurricanehink]

I had a similar idea. Mine would retain the 6 lists, but have a 7th name list of ambiguous gender. Still human, but it could be either boy or girl. Here's what I'm talking about.
Avery
Brook
Casey
Devon
Everett
Farley
Gene
Hayden
Indy
Jamie
Kelly
Leigh
Morgan
Nicky
Ollie
Pat
Robin
Sam
Taylor
Vic
Wallis

[NC George]

The problem with the ambigous names is the male and female versions are not usually spelled the same. For instance Leigh is typically the female version, Lee is the male. Another example: Jean is the female version, and Gene is the male.

I for one say we need to stop worring about the absolute number of each name's gender, and replace with what works when needed. If a common name is available, but not the right gender, SO WHAT! We are identifying storms, not trying to correct historical injustices. The idea of simple names is becomes confused when we start using alternate spellings (or even names with potential alternate spellings.)

I like the idea of a single 100 name list. This will enable more of the names that begin with M-Z to be used and potentially retired as needed.

[CajunMama]

If it ain't broke...don't fix it!