We've bid adieu to Irene (although the Red Cross response efforts are ongoing still) and we're saying a reluctant hello to Katia. Check out our Hurricane Preparedness Tips if you're in the storm's path.
Ever wonder where in the world they get these names?
The list of names for potential hurricane for the Atlantic is created by the World Meteorological Association.
There are actually six lists are reused and recycled (even storms can be green). That means that this year's list will be used again in 2017. Each letter of the alphabet gets a name except for Q, U, X, Y, and Z. In the event that more than 21 hurricanes spawn in a single season, meteorologists dip into the Greek alphabet for names.
Some random facts:
- The letters "Q", "U", "X", "Y" and "Z" are not used.
- When an unusually destructive hurricane hits, that hurricane's name is retired and never used again.
- Before 1978, hurricanes were solely named after women (more history here!)
So did your name make the cut for 2011? If not, scroll down to check out the lists from other parts of the world.
Photo credit: NASA
