The UK is bracing for its second storm of the season just over 24 hours after the first passed. Storm naming has become a key part of how the public is informed about severe weather, but how are names chosen and why does it happen?
Why Storm Names Were Introduced
In 2015, the Met Office launched a scheme inviting the public to suggest names for storms, aiming to raise awareness of the dangers of severe weather. The forecaster said using a single, recognisable name for a storm helps the public better understand the risks and take action to keep themselves safe.
The decision to name a storm is linked to weather warnings. If a storm is disruptive or dangerous enough for an amber or red warning to be issued, the Met Office gives it a name. Named storms are often expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain that could lead to flooding, or significant snowfall.
Why Storm Austen Was Named Despite a Yellow Warning
A yellow warning can be used when far more significant impacts are possible but there is less confidence in where or if they will hit. The Met Office previously said Storm Austen's exact track and position were still being determined and warnings remain in review.
How Storm Names Are Chosen
The Met Office uses suggestions from the public to agree a list of names for the year ahead, working together with Irish forecaster Met Éireann and Dutch forecaster KNMI as the storm naming group for western Europe.
A name is avoided if it is too difficult to pronounce, has different meanings in different countries, or if it is associated with a private company, public figure, or a storm that has previously caused loss of life.
The US National Hurricane Centre does not use storm names beginning with the letters Q, U, X, Y or Z, so, for consistency in the North Atlantic, neither does the Met Office. The alphabetical list, which runs from early September until late August the following year, alternates between male and female names. Next up this season: Chloe, Dano, Evelyn, Finn, Gwendolyn and Heather.
How Other European Countries Name Storms
Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium and Luxembourg work together to name storms in south-western Europe, while Norway, Sweden and Denmark agree names for storms in the north of the continent.
