How Are Hurricanes and Typhoons Named?

Introduction References & Edit History

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Satellite view of two swirling storms over the ocean with a blue Hello my name is ??? name tag superimposed.

Satellite image of a large hurricane with a defined eye over the Gulf of Mexico, approaching the U.S. Gulf Coast.

How Are Hurricanes and Typhoons Named?: Media

Ivan, Katrina, Andrew, Ingrid. Why do we name storms, and who decides what they’re called?

Videos

Satellite view of two swirling storms over the ocean with a blue Hello my name is ??? name tag superimposed.

How Are Hurricanes and Typhoons Named?

During World War II, U.S. Navy and Army meteorologists began using their wives' and...

Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.; thumbnail © NOAA, LAYER-LAB/Adobe Stock

Satellite image of a large hurricane with a defined eye over the Gulf of Mexico, approaching the U.S. Gulf Coast.

What Is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is essentially a large tropical storm.

Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.