Why do we name hurricanes and typhoons but not tornadoes?
Dear Tom,
Why do we name hurricanes and typhoons but not tornadoes?
Stan, 11 and Ted, 9, Jatczak, La Grange Park
Dear Stan and Ted,
Tropical cyclones are named to enable better communication between meteorologists
and the public. Frequently multiple storms are active and naming the storms reduces
confusion and helps the public keep the storms straight.
In 1950, previously anonymous Atlantic Basin tropical cyclones were named using the
phonetic alphabet (Able, Baker, Charlie, etc.). From 1953 until 1978 only women’s
names were used, but starting in 1979 lists of alternating women’s and men’s names
were developed, a system still in use today.
It also makes sense to name tropical cyclones because they can roam the oceans for
days or weeks, while most tornadoes last for just a few minutes.
However, significant tornadoes or major tornado outbreaks are named after the fact,
like the Oak Lawn tornado or the Palm Sunday tornadoes.