The Met Office started naming storms in 2015. In the UK, storms are named when they are likely to cause disruption or damage that could lead to an amber or red warning.
This decision is based on both the potential impact of the weather and how likely it is to happen.
Storms are typically named based on the impacts of strong winds. Although other weather-related effects are also taken into account, like heavy rainfall or snow which may lead to flooding or travel disruption.
As a result, storms can be named not only for wind impacts but also for significant effects from rain or snow.
Using one official system to name storms helps to share clear and consistent information about severe weather, making it easier for the public to stay safe.
Rebekah Hicks, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, believes that it is a system that works: “We know that for Storm Floris, just a few weeks ago, surveys found that 93% of people in the amber warning area were aware of the alerts, with 83% taking action to prepare.”
