Winter storm names have never existed in the United States, yet many harsh winter storms can wreak as much havoc on citizens as a hurricane or tropical storm. For that reason, the Weather Channel has revealed plans to name this season’s worst winter storms in an effort to give them a more recognizable identity.
According to Tom Niziol, the Weather Channel’s winter weather expert:
“Naming winter storms will raise awareness, which will lead to more pro-active efforts to plan ahead, resulting in less impact on the public overall.”
In Europe, heavy winter storms are already given names, allowing followers to understand the risks associated with storms based on their name.
Niziol adds:
“We have the meteorological ability, support and technology to provide the same level of reporting for winter storms that we have done for years with tropical weather systems.”
The ultimate goal is to have other news agencies and weather software companies adopt the name in order to increase storm awareness among the masses.
“On the occasion that different storms are affecting separate parts of the country, naming storms will allow for clearer communications,” Niziol adds.
For the inaugural winter storm names, the Weather Channel has chose to go Greek with option that include Triton, Draco, Plato, and Euclid.
It’s not just about Greek naming; the Weather Channel says one winter storm name could be Q, which is named after the New York subway line.
To determine the name of an upcoming storm, the cable network will use the day and time it hits as well as the ice, snow, wind, and temperatures it produces.
Do you like the idea of winter storm names?
