The Met Office has explained how it names storms as it announced Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, which is expected to hit later this week.
On October 20, the forecaster said Storm Austen would bring its "most impactful conditions" on Thursday night and Friday, with 70mph winds, torrential rain and lower temperatures than seen so far this month.
Who Decides Storm Names?
The storm naming scheme is run jointly by the Met Office, Met Éireann and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), the Met Office told the Express. The Netherlands is part of the group because weather systems affecting north-west Europe frequently impact multiple countries.
"Working together allows the three meteorological services to apply a consistent approach to naming storms that have the potential to cause significant impacts across the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands, helping people access the latest forecasts and warnings more easily," the Met Office said.
Why Certain Names Are Picked
Some names are chosen simply because they have not been used before, but there is a deeper strategic reason: to make people more aware of approaching storms. The naming system started in 2015, making it relatively new compared to the long history of storms in the UK.
In an explainer on its website, the Met Office said: "The naming of storms using a single authoritative system provides a consistent message and aids the communication of approaching severe weather through media partners and other government agencies. In this way the public will be better placed to keep themselves, their property and businesses safe."
Can the Public Suggest Storm Names?
Yes, the public can suggest names for storms, although there is no guarantee their suggestion will be chosen. For example, there is no certainty that 'Stormy McStorm Face' will be given the green light.
The Met Office added: "Everyone is welcome to suggest names for future consideration through our online form. Any future names for the Met Office component of the list may be compiled from these suggestions."
Storm Austen's Current Status
Storm Austen's trajectory is still being established. Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Tom Crabtree, cautioned: "While the exact track and position of Storm Austen is still being determined, what's clear is that we have an impactful period of weather on the way and the potential for disruption in places, which has resulted in the system being named."
"Weather warnings are under constant review and could be updated as confidence increases, so it's important to stay up to date with the forecast in the coming days."
