Lists of tropical cyclone names

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tropical cyclones and subtropical cyclones are named by various warning centers to help communication between forecasters and the public about forecasts, watches, and warnings. The names are intended to reduce confusion if there are storms in the same basin at the same time. Generally once storms produce sustained wind speeds of more than 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph), names are given in order from the lists depending on which basin they start. Standards vary from basin to basin. Some tropical depressions are named in the Western Pacific, while tropical cyclones must have a significant amount of gale-force winds around the centre before they are named in the Southern Hemisphere.

Before this naming started tropical cyclones were named after places, objects, or saints' feast days on which they happened. The first use of personal names for weather systems was by the Queensland Government Meteorologist Clement Wragge, who named systems between 1887 and 1907. This system of naming weather systems stopped for several years after Wragge retired. It was revived in the latter part of World War II for the Western Pacific. Formal naming schemes and naming lists have been introduced and developed for the Eastern, Central, Western and Southern Pacific basins, as well as the Australian region, Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean.

North Atlantic[change | change source]

Hurricane Laura in August 2020

Within the North Atlantic Ocean, tropical or subtropical cyclones are named by the National Hurricane Center when they are judged to have become a tropical storm with winds of at least 65 km/h, (40 mph). Six lists of names are used in alphabetical order, and maintained by the World Meteorological Organization with them rotating on a yearly basis. Significant tropical cyclones have their names removed from the lists with a replacement name selected at the next World Meteorological Organization Regional Association IV Hurricane Committee meeting. If all of the names on a list are used, storms are named after the letters of the Greek alphabet (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, etc.). Greek names, unlike the names in the regular lists, cannot be removed. If a storm ever reached the magnitude that might otherwise have led to retirement, the storm would be listed with the retired names with a footnote indicating the Greek letter would still be available for future storms.[1][2][3]

List of Atlantic tropical cyclone names
2019
Names Andrea Barry Chantal Dorian Erin Fernand Gabrielle Humberto Imelda Jerry Karen
Lorenzo Melissa Nestor Olga Pablo Rebekah Sebastien Tanya Van Wendy
2020
Names Arthur Bertha Cristobal Dolly Edouard Fay Gonzalo Hanna Isaias Josephine Kyle
Laura Marco Nana Omar Paulette Rene Sally Teddy Vicky Wilfred
2021
Names Ana Bill Claudette Danny Elsa Fred Grace Henri Ida Julian Kate
Larry Mindy Nicholas Odette Peter Rose Sam Teresa Victor Wanda
2022
Names Alex Bonnie Colin Danielle Earl Fiona Gaston Hermine Ian Julia Karl
Lisa Martin Nicole Owen Paula Richard Shary Tobias Virginie Walter
2023
Names Arlene Bret Cindy Don Emily Franklin Gert Harold Idalia Jose Katia
Lee Margot Nigel Ophelia Philippe Rina Sean Tammy Vince Whitney
2024
Names Alberto Beryl Chris Debby Ernesto Francine Gordon Helene Isaac Joyce Kirk
Leslie Milton Nadine Oscar Patty Rafael Sara Tony Valerie William
References:[4]

The names used recently in (2020) will be reused again in 2026. (if none of them are retired)

Eastern Pacific Ocean[change | change source]

Hurricane Douglas in July 2020

Within the Eastern Pacific Ocean two offices of the United States National Weather Service assign names to tropical cyclones when they are judged to have intensified into a tropical storm with winds of at least 65 km/h, (40 mph). Tropical cyclones that become tropical storms between the coast of Americas and 140°W are named by the National Hurricane Center, whilst tropical cyclones intensifying into tropical storms between 140°W and 180° are named by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Significant tropical cyclones have their names retired from the lists and a replacement name selected at the next World Meteorological Organization Regional Association IV Hurricane Committee meeting.

North Pacific east of 140°W[change | change source]

When a tropical depression intensifies into a tropical storm to the north of the Equator between the coastline of the Americas and 140°E then it will be named by the National Hurricane Center. Six lists of names are maintained by the World Meteorological Organization with them rotating on a yearly basis. Significant tropical cyclones have their names retired from the lists with a replacement name selected at the next World Meteorological Organization Regional Association IV Hurricane Committee meeting.

2011 Adrian Beatriz Calvin Dora Eugene Fernanda Greg Hilary Irwin Jova Kenneth Lidia
Max Norma Otis Pilar Ramon Selma Todd Veronica Wiley Xina York Zelda
2012 Aletta Bud Carlotta Daniel Emilia Fabio Gilma Hector Ileana John Kristy Lane
Miriam Norman Olivia Paul Rosa Sergio Tara Vicente Willa Xavier Yolanda Zeke
2013 Alvin Barbara Cosme Dalilia Erick Flossie Gil Henriette Ivo Juliette Kiko Lorena
Manuel Narda Octave Priscilla Raymond Sonia Tico Velma Wallis Xina York Zelda
2014 Amanda Boris Cristina Douglas Elida Fausto Genevieve Hernan Iselle Julio Karina Lowell
Marie Norbert Odile Polo Rachel Simon Trudy Vance Winnie Xavier Yolanda Zeke
2015 Andres Blanca Carlos Dolores Enrique Felicia Guillermo Hilda Ignacio Jimena Kevin Linda
Marty Nora Olaf Patricia Rick Sandra Terry Vivian Waldo Xina York Zelda

Central North Pacific (140°W to 180°)[change | change source]

Hurricane Walaka in October 2018

When a tropical depression intensifies into a tropical storm to the north of the Equator between 140°W and 180° it is named by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Four lists of names are maintained by the World Meteorological Organization, rotating without regard to year, with the first name for a new year being the next name in sequence that was not used the previous year. Significant tropical cyclones have their names retired from the lists, with a replacement name selected at the next World Meteorological Organization Regional Association IV Hurricane Committee meeting.

List 1 Akoni Ema Hone Iona Keli Lala Moke Nolo Olana Pena Ulana Wale
List 2 Aka Ekeka Hene Iolana Keoni Lino Mele Nona Oliwa Pama Upana Wene
List 3 Alika Ele Huko Iopa Kika Lana Maka Neki Omeka Pewa Unala Wali
List 4 Ana Ela Halola Iune Kilo Loke Malia Niala Oho Pali Ulika Walaka

Western Pacific Ocean (180° to 100°E)[change | change source]

Typhoon Haishen in September 2020.

Within the Northwestern Pacific Ocean there are two separate agencies who assign names to tropical cyclones which often results in a cyclone having two names. The Japan national weather service names tropical cyclones should they be judged to have 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 65 km/h, (40 mph), to the north of the equator between the 180° and 100°E. The Philippine national weather service also assigns names to tropical cyclones which move into or form as a tropical depression in their area of responsibility located between 135°E and 115°E and between 5°E-25°E even if the cyclone has had a name assigned to it by the Japanese national weather service.

International names[change | change source]

Tropical cyclones are named from the following lists by the Japanese national weather service, once they become a tropical storm. Names are contributed by members of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. Each of the 14 nations or territories submitted 10 names, which are used in alphabetical order, by the English name of the country.[5][6]

Contributing nation Cambodia China North Korea
(DPRK)
Hong Kong Japan Laos Macau Malaysia Micronesia Philippines South Korea (ROK) Thailand USA Vietnam
List 1 Damrey Haikui Kirogi Kai-Tak Tembin Bolaven Sanba Jelawat Ewiniar Maliksi Gaemi Prapiroon Maria Son-Tinh
Ampil Wukong Jongdari Shanshan Yagi Leepi Bebinca Rumbia Soulik Cimaron Jebi Mangkhut Barijat Trami
List 2 Kong-rey Yutu Toraji Man-yi Usagi Pabuk Wutip Sepat Mun Danas Nari Wipha Francisco Lekima
Krosa Bailu Podul Lingling Kajiki Faxai Peipah Tapah Mitag Hagibis Neoguri Bualoi Matmo Halong
List 3 Nakri Fengshen Kalmaegi Fung-wong Kammuri Phanfone Vongfong Nuri Sinlaku Hagupit Jangmi Mekkhala Higos Bavi
Maysak Haishen Noul Dolphin Kujira Chan-hom Linfa Nangka Soudelor Molave Goni Atsani Etau Vamco
List 4 Krovanh Dujuan Mujigae Choi-wan Koppu Champi In-Fa Melor Nepartak Lupit Mirinae Nida Omais Conson
Chanthu Dianmu Mindulle Lionrock Kompasu Namtheun Malou Meranti Rai Malakas Megi Chaba Aere Songda
List 5 Sarika Haima Meari Ma-on Tokage Nock-ten Muifa Merbok Nanmadol Talas Noru Kulap Roke Sonca
Nesat Haitang Nalgae Banyan Hato Pakhar Sanvu Mawar Guchol Talim Doksuri Khanun Lan Saola

Philippines[change | change source]

Super Typhoon Rolly (Goni) in October 2020.

The Philippine national weather service uses its own naming scheme for tropical cyclones in their area of responsibility. PAGASA assigns names to tropical depressions that form within their area of responsibility, and any tropical cyclone that moves into their area of responsibility. Should the list of names for a given year prove to be insufficient, names are taken from a reserve list of names, with the first ten published every year.[7]

2015 Amang Betty Chedeng Dodong Egay Falcon Goring Hanna Ineng Jenny Kabayan Lando Marilyn Nona Onyok Perla Quiel Ramon
Sarah Tisoy Ursula Viring Weng Yoyoy Zigzag Abe Berto Charo Dado Estoy Felion Gening Herman Irma Jaime
2016 Ambo Butchoy Carina Dindo Enteng Ferdie Gener Helen Igme Julian Karen Lawin Marce Nina Ofel Pepito Quinta Rolly
Siony Tonyo Ulysses Vicky Warren Yoyong Zosimo Alakdan Baldo Clara Dencio Estong Felipe Gardo Heling Ismael Julio
2017 Auring Bising Crising Dante Emong Fabian Gorio Huaning Isang Jolina Kiko Lannie Maring Nando Odette Paolo Quedan Ramil
Salome Tino Urduja Vinta Wilma Yasmin Zoraida Alamid Bruno Conching Dolor Ernie Florante Gerardo Hernan Isko Jerome
2018 Agaton Basyang Caloy Domeng Ester Florita Glenda Henry Inday Josie Karding Luis Maymay Neneng Ompong Paeng Queenie Rosita
Samuel Tomas Usman Venus Waldo Yayang Zeny Agila Bagwis Chito Diego Elena Felino Gunding Harriet Indang Jessa

North Indian Ocean (45°E - 100°E)[change | change source]

Cyclone Amphan in May 2020.

Within this basin when a deep depression is judged to have become a Cyclonic Storm it will be named by the Indian national weather service. The list of names were selected between 2000 and 2004 by the countries of the WMO/ESCAP Panel on tropical cyclones, before the actual naming of tropical cyclones began in September 2004.

Contributing
Nations
List 1 List 2 List 3 List 4 List 5 List 6 List 7 List 8
Bangladesh Onil Ogni Nisha Giri Helen Chapala Ockhi Fani
India Agni Akash Bijli Jal Leher Megh Sagar Vayu
Maldives Hibaru Gonu Aila Keila Madi Roanu Makunu Hikaa
Myanmar Pyarr Yemyin Phyan Thane Na−nauk Kyant Daye Kyarr
Oman Baaz Sidr Ward Murjan Hudhud Nada Luban Maha
Pakistan Fanoos Nargis Laila Nilam Nilofar Vardah Titli Bulbul
Sri Lanka Mala Rashmi Bandu Mahasen Priya Asiri Gigum Soba
Thailand Mukda Khai−Muk Phet Phailin Komen Mora Phethai Amphan

South-West Indian Ocean (90°E - 30°E)[change | change source]

Within the South-west Indian Ocean, tropical and subtropical depressions that are judged to have 10-minute sustained windspeeds of 65 km/h, (40 mph) or more for at least 6 hours by the national weather service of Reunion Island are usually assigned a name. However it is the Mauritius and Madagascan national weather services who name the systems. The National weather service of Mauritius name the storm should it intensify into a moderate tropical storm between 55°E and 90°E; if the storm should intensify into a moderate tropical storm between 30°E and 55°E then the national weather service of Madagascar assigns the appropriate name to the storm. Tropical cyclones moving into this region from the Australian Region are renamed by the Sub-Regional Tropical Cyclone Advisory Center in Mauritius; however tropical cyclones moving into the Australian region do not get renamed. New name lists are used every year, whilst a name is normally only used once so thus no names are retired.[6][8]

2010-11 Abele Bingiza Cherono Dalilou Elvire Francis Giladi Haingo Igor Jani Khabonina Lumbo Maina
Naledi Onani Paulette Qiloane Rafael Stella Tari Unjaty Vita Willy Ximene Yasmine Zama

Australian Region (90°E - 160°E)[change | change source]

Within the Australian Region there are five different offices that assign names to tropical cyclones. However, as three of the offices are run by the Australian national weather service, only 3 lists of names are operated. A tropical depression is judged to have intensified into a tropical cyclone if winds reach 65 km/h, (40 mph) and it is clear that gales are occurring more than halfway around the center. Significant tropical cyclones have their names retired from the lists and a replacement name selected at the next World Meteorological Organization Regional Association V Tropical Cyclone Committee meeting.[9]

When a tropical depression intensifies into a tropical cyclone between the Equator and 10°S and between 90°E and 125°E then it will be named by the Indonesian national weather service. Should a tropical low intensify into a tropical cyclone between the Equator and 10°S and between 141°E and 160°E are assigned names by the Tropical Cyclone Warning Center in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Tropical Depressions intensifying into tropical cyclones in all other areas between 90°E and 160°E as well as the Equator and 40°S are named by the Australian national weather service. Should a tropical cyclone pass from one warning center to another it will retain its original name, except when moving into the South-West Indian Ocean where the Mauritius Meteorological Service will rename the system.[8][9]

Indonesia[change | change source]

When a tropical depression intensifies into a tropical cyclone between the Equator and 10°S and between 90°E - 125°E, it will be named by the Indonesian Weather Service. Names are currently assigned in sequence from list A, while list B is a list of names that will replace names on list A that are retired.[9][10]

List A Anggrek Bakung Cempaka Dahlia Flamboyan Kenanga Lili Mawar Seroja Teratai
List B Anggur Belimbing Duku Jambu Lengkeng Mangga Nangka Pisang Rambutan Sawo

Australia[change | change source]

Cyclone Veronica in March 2019.

When a tropical low intensifies into a tropical cyclone between 10°S and 40°S and between 90°E - 160°E, then it will be named by one of three Australian national weather service offices in Perth, Darwin, or Brisbane. Starting with Anika, the names are assigned in alphabetical order with the lists used in rotating order without regard to year.[9][11]

Anika Billy Charlotte Dominic Ellie Freddy Gabrielle Herman Ilsa Jasper Kirrily
Lincoln Megan Neville Olga Paul Robyn Sean Tasha Vince Zelia ------
Anthony Bianca Carlos Dianne Errol Fina Grant Heidi Iggy Jasmine Koji
Lua Mitchell Narelle Oswald Peta Rusty Sandra Tim Victoria Zane ------
Alessia Bruce Christine Dylan Edna Fletcher Gillian Hadi Ita Jack Kate
Lam Marcia Nathan Olwyn Quang Raquel Stan Tatjana Uriah Yvette ------
Alfred Blanche Caleb Debbie Ernie Frances Greg Hilda Ira Joyce Kelvin
Linda Marcus Nora Owen Penny Riley Savannah Trevor Veronica Wallace ------
Ann Blake Claudia Damien Esther Ferdinand Gretel Harold Imogen Joshua Kimi
Lucas Marian Noah Odette Paddy Ruby Seth Tiffany Verdun ------ ------

Papua New Guinea[change | change source]

When a tropical low intensifies into a tropical cyclone between the equator and 10°S and between 141°E - 160°E then it will be named by the Papua New Guinea's national weather service. Names from List A are assigned in a random order while list B details replacement names for list A which will be added in the bottom of list A to maintain the alphabetical order.[9]

List A Alu Buri Dodo Emau Fere Hibu Ila Kama Lobu Maila
List B Nou Obaha Paia Ranu Sabi Tau Ume Vali Wau Auram

Southern Pacific Ocean (160°E - 120°W)[change | change source]

Cyclone Yasa in December 2020.

Within the Southern Pacific a tropical depression is judged to have reach tropical cyclone intensity should it reach winds of 65 km/h (40 mph), and it is evident that gales are occurring at least halfway around the center. Tropical depressions that should intensify into a tropical cyclone between the Equator and 25°S and between 160°E - 120°W are named by the Fiji national weather service. Should a Tropical Depression intensify to the south of 25°S between 160°E and 120°W, it will be named in by the Fijian national weather service and the New Zealand's national weather service. Significant tropical cyclones have their names retired from the lists and a replacement name selected at the next World Meteorological Organization Regional Association V Tropical Cyclone Committee meeting, whilst tropical cyclones that move into the Australian region will retain its original name.[9]

List A Ana Bina Cody Dovi Eva Fili Gina Hagar Irene Judy Kerry Lola Mal
Nat Olof Pita Rae Shelia Tam Urmil Vaianu Wati Xavier Yani Zita
List B Arthur Becky Chip Denia Elisa Fotu Glen Hettie Innis Joni Ken Lin Mick
Nisha Oli Pat Rene Sarah Tomas Ului Vania Wilma ------ Yasi Zaka
List C Atu Bune Cyril Daphne Evan Freda Garry Heley Ian June Kofi Lusi Mike
Nute Odile Pam Reuben Solo Tuni Ula Victor Winston ------ Yalo Zena
List D Amos Bart Colin Donna Ella Frank Gita Hali Iris Jo Kala Leo Mona
Neil Oma Pami Rita Sarai Tino ------ Vicky Wiki ------ Yolande Zazu

Other areas[change | change source]

Tropical cyclone formation is rare within the Mediterranean sea, South Atlantic and to the east of 120W in the Southern Pacific, as a result there are no official naming lists for these areas although in 2004 & 2010 when tropical cyclones formed within the South Atlantic they were named as Catarina and Anita.

Related pages[change | change source]

References[change | change source]

  1. Staff Writer (2010-06-01). "RA IV Hurricane Operational Plan for North America, Central America and the Caribbean Hurricane Operational Plan" (PDF). Regional Association IV Hurricane Committee. World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
  2. "Frequently asked questions: B: Tropical Cyclone Names". The Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  3. Staff Writer (2006-04-04). "RA IV Hurricane Committee Twenty-eighth Session report" (PDF). Regional Association IV Hurricane Committee. World Meteorological Organization. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-24. Retrieved 2010-09-24.
  4. RA IV Hurricane Committee (May 16, 2018). "9". Regional Association IV (North America, Central America and the Caribbean) Hurricane Operational Plan 2018 (PDF) (Report No. TCP-30). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  5. Staff Writer (2009-01-21). "Tropical Cyclone names". Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved 2010-09-24.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Staff Writer (2010). "FAQ: B) Tropical cyclones names". Meteo France. Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  7. Staff Writer (2010-09-22). "Philippine Tropical cyclone names". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Archived from the original on 2012-01-18. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Staff Writer (2008). "Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South-West Indian Ocean (2008)" (PDF). Regional Association I Tropical Cyclone Committee. World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved 2010-09-24.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Staff Writer (2008). "Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean" (PDF). Regional Association V Tropical Cyclone Committee. World Meteorological Organization. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-22. Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  10. Staff Writer. "List of Tropical Cyclones Name". Indonesian Meteorological and Geophysical Agency. Archived from the original on 2010-11-02. Retrieved 2008-12-14.
  11. Staff Writer. "Australian Bureau of Meteorology Tropical Cyclone Names". Bureau of Meteorology (Australia). Archived from the original on 2012-07-25. Retrieved 2010-06-06.

Other websites[change | change source]