The Weather Channel initiated the trend and created the name list for the 2012-2013 winter season. The Weather Channel explains its naming noteworthy storms with these words, Our goal is to better communicate the threat and the timing of the significant impacts that accompany these events. The fact is, a storm with a name is easier to follow, which will mean fewer surprises and more preparation.(2)
The Weather Channel's intention is similar to that of The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) when it comes to naming tropical systems. The WMO explains their naming system helps in the quick identification of storms in warning messages because names are presumed to be far easier to remember... makes it easier for the media to report on tropical cyclones, heightens interest in warnings and increases community preparedness... Tropical cyclones can last from a day to a couple of weeks. Therefore, there can be more than one tropical cyclone at a time in a same region.(3)
While the WMO names tropical systems, the organization does not name winter storms. In this paper I will explore the reasons neither the WMO nor the NWS does so.
As meteorologists we have to decide, are we going to jump on board with the naming of winter storms or refuse? The purpose of this paper, which will really be a discussion, is not to take sides, but to begin an open discussion between members of the AMS, NWS, EOCs (Fema), and The Weather Channel on the pros and cons of naming winter storms.
(1) Murphy, Bridget. Winter storm Nemo: 2 feet or more of snow possible. The Christian Science Monitor. csmonitor.com, Inc, n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2013.
(2) Niziol, Tom. Why the Weather Channel is Naming Winter Storms. weather.com, Inc, 2013. Web. 8 Feb. 2013.
(3)Tropical Cyclone Naming. World Meteorological Organization. wmo.int. Web. 8 Feb. 2013.
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