Why Are Storms Given Human Names?

Storms have been given human names since the early 1900s. The practice began with ships and later extended to storms, hurricanes, and typhoons. This naming convention is intended to make it easier for the public to follow and stay updated on these natural calamities.

Origins of Storm Naming

In 480 BC, King Xerxes of Persia built a pontoon bridge that was destroyed by a heavy storm. Enraged by the occurrence, he ordered his soldiers to poke the remnants with flaming hot irons and throw handcuffs into the ocean as a display of dominance. Although the bridge’s engineers were executed, their fate was worse since they couldn’t prevent such disasters in the future.

Storm Naming Across Regions

Regional meteorological offices and weather channels are responsible for naming storms in various regions, including the US, UK, Japan (Kamikaze), Venezuela (Relampago del Catatumbo), and other planets like Mars, Saturn, and Uranus. In the US and the UK, there is a shortlist of male and female names, with storms typically rotated between the two lists.

Storm-Related Fear

The fear of storms, known as astraphobia, can cause anxiety in victims, which may manifest as rapid breathing and panic attacks. While it predominantly affects children more than adults, the fear is manageable for most people.

Unpredictability of Storms

Storms are unpredictable, and their impact on various aspects of life can vary depending on the region. For example, Hurricane Ida is believed to have helped reduce rat populations in New York sewer lines due to the unpredictable nature of storms making it hard for rats to find safety.

Storm Experience

Artists like Turner have experienced storms firsthand to create their works. Some researchers even discovered that people primarily rely on their instincts when facing the unpredictability of storms, which can lead them to make dangerous decisions or endure extreme situations.

Hurricane Impact

Storms like Hurricane Ida can have unexpected consequences, such as reducing rat populations in certain regions. The unpredictable nature of storms plays a significant role in this outcome.

Scrambling for Survival

Researchers found that people predominantly rely on scrambling for survival gear during storms, despite these actions not often being ideal.