2019 Hurricane Supplement Part 1

S

ha m Na as Fir tio eB M n et ran 3 al 2 E - 3 eoro ch 2m of 60 er 56 lo the 81 ge -3 gy nc 73 De Ro /60 Ro y al 82 A y M 4/3 pa ya En l B - 3 Bah /60 gen an 724 rtm a vi -3 ro - aha 22-1 ama 83/6 cy ( gem /372 ent nm 9 m 2 s 0 N e 7 23 De -7 - 3 en 19, as 25, Polic 84/6 EM nt pa 370 2 ta 9 Po 30 e 0 A) - 3 rtm /73 Ba 2-8 l He 11, lice 2-8 Forc 85 h 23 en 71 am 037 at 32 F 40 e -7 t o /7 a /8 h S 2-4 orc 4 81 f 37 s 04 e 4 e 4/ So 2/ Re 8/ rvi 44 78 ci 73 d 80 es 15 al 73 Cr 49 , 3 Se /7 os 22 rvi 37 s -3 ce 4 34 s 8

Ba

T AC NT CO

EM ER GE NC Y

PAGE 2, Friday, August 30, 2019 THE TRIBUNE

CONTENTS

Section one

Predictions for the season ahead Where are the storm shelters?

NEMA says be prepared How storms get their names Make your evacuation plan Storm surge When the storm hits How a hurricane is classified

3 4-5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Section two

The warming world One storm away from Puerto Rico What to do after the storm has passed

13 14 15

Section three

Create a pet survival kit How to board up your home 18 19

THE TRIBUNE

An average season expected - but stay on guard

Friday, August 30, 2019, PAGE 3

BY FARRAH JOHNSON THE Bahamas can expect a “near average” hurricane season this year, said Basil Dean, chief meteorologist at the Department of Meteorology.

So far, the seasonal prediction for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season points toward 9-15 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher.

“On an average, we usually have about 12 named storms, six of which here reach hurricane intensity,” he said.

“And out of those six, three usually become what we call major hurricanes as a category 3 or greater.”

Mr Dean added this year, the meteorology department is anticipating 13 named storms and five hurricanes, two of which, they expect to reach “major hurricane intensity.”

“Now the season has gotten off to a start on the first of June, but you would recall in May we had the first named storm, Andrea, which formed just between The Bahamas and Bermuda, but that posed no threat to us,” he explained.

Adding the season has been “very, very quiet” thus far, Mr Dean asserted that to date, there have been no signs of any new developments.

Still, he said while he hopes it remains this way, that probably won’t be the

case since the hurricane season runs until November 30th. “...We still have several months ahead of us, the peak of the season being mid-August. So we’ll have to just wait and see how the season pans out,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to predict when and where these systems develop and once they develop that is when we kick in.”

Mr Dean confirmed the country is prepared for this year’s hurricane season from a “forecasting perspective,” but insisted that Bahamians should “rush to complete” any last minute preparations.

“We had a little lull in terms of rainfall over the last several days, so you want to take advantage of these little dry spells to take care of outdoor activities such as making repairs to your roofs, windows and doors, which are very, very critical in mitigating against tropical cyclones once they are upon us,” he said.

Mr Dean also advised people to “listen to local media houses” to stay informed since the information from these news outlets will come directly from the meteorology department.

“The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has the responsibility for ensuring that it’s citizenry get...

timely and accurate as possible information on these hurricanes specific to their areas.” “(With) the international agency you will get general stuff, but in terms of specific island by island, settlement by settlement (updates), you’re not going to find that out there in the international media.”

Mr Dean also urged the public to “pay close attention” to all of the information and bulletins the meteorology department puts out, and admonished everyone to “take heed to any advice that is given in those advisories.”

In that same light, NEMA director Captain Stephen Russell, told The Tribune that the agency’s theme and motto this year is: ‘Be prepared’.

“We’re going to put posters (and) banners of our theme encouraging The Bahamas to be prepared,” he said.

“We’ve had three bad years over the past five years, (so) we’re encouraging persons to simply be prepared throughout the entire Bahamas.”

In a press conference last month, Captain Russell explained that NEMA is “aiming to “ensure” the country remains “resilient” and well-prepared during the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season.

Uninsured homes eat up hurricane repair resources A LARGE number of hurricane-damaged homes are built by construction companies that fail to comply with The Bahamas’ building code, a government official has said.

Iram Lewis, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, revealed earlier this year that much of the government’s post-hurricane resources were being consumed by roof repairs to homes that were either not insured or under-insured.

A large percentage of these homes, he added, are built by construction companies that do not adhere to the building code either through lack of knowledge or absence of government compliance requirements.

“Categorically speaking, the housing sector is one of the major areas that is often severely affected by these natural disasters. Not only because of the havoc caused on the housing sector but the mental and economic havoc,” Mr Lewis said.

He was speaking at a oneday workshop in March for contractors to assist them in improving construction practices, staged last Thursday by the Ministry of Public Works and the Caribbean Development Bank.

Held under the theme, Partnering to provide hurricane resilient housing throughout The Bahamas,

IRAM LEWIS the workshop’s objective was to educate and train artisans, small contractors and building inspectors on various techniques, industry standards, best practices and products so that homes are constructed to withstand up to Category 5 hurricanes.

Mr Lewis said: “As you are aware, in The Bahamas we are increasingly experiencing stronger hurricane force winds, high sea surges and even tornadoes that have the capacity to cause major damage to homes, especially those not built up to building code standard, which as a result can in some cases lead to loss of lives.”

He urged workshop participants to obtain as much information as possible and, more importantly, implement this in their building practices.

“It is important that you understand that this workshop training is not intended

to replace our building code standard, which incidentally is one of the strongest in the Caribbean, but rather to heighten its awareness and improve areas where we have become lax,” Mr Lewis explained.

“Knowledge is power, and we aim to empower you today with the knowledge and skills to equip you in the field of construction in order that you may remain current in the construction industry.

“In order to offset some of the challenges small countries in the Caribbean region face as a result of hurricanes, it is vitally important that you not only recognise the damaging effects of the increase in climate change but also plan to construct more resilient type housing that would be sustainable to meet the various challenges throughout The Bahamas.”

BASIL Dean, chief meteorologist at the Department of Meteorology.

PAGE 4, Friday, August 30, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

SIR Kendal Issacs Gym in New Providence preparing for people to fill the shelter before Hurricane Irma in 2017.

How does NEMA choose shelters?

SCHOOLS, church halls or other solidly constructed buildings that provide a large, safe environment are the common sites of hurricane shelters, which should be considered a last resort if relatives or friends are not available when a storm hits.

Shelters for each Atlantic hurricane season are inspected and designated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

A team comprising NEMA personnel, the Fire Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Environmental Health Services, the Bahamas Red Cross and the Department of Social Services inspected buildings on New Providence and throughout the Family Islands before releasing the official list for the season.

Shelters tend to lack many comforts such as bedding, pillows and food so

residents should bring their own supplies in the event they have to evacuate their homes.

In such cases, residents should be prepared to live with strangers in close quarters for the duration of the storm, or up to three days.

No pets are allowed in shelters - owners are encouraged to make prior arrangements with veterinary clinics or other such facilities.

PLAN YOUR DISASTER KIT YOU’LL need to plan for two situations: Remaining in your home after a disaster or evacuating to a safer location.

Have a three-day supply of food and water on hand - plan for one gallon of water per person per day and food that won’t spoil.

Keep a manual can opener and emergency tools including a fire extinguisher, battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of batteries.

Disaster Supply Checklist

Be sure to gather the following items to ensure your family’s basic comfort and well-being in case of evacuation.

Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.

Water - at least one gallon per person per day for three to seven days, plus water for pets.

Food - at least enough for three to seven days, including: Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices, food for infants and the elderly, snack food, non-electric can opener, vitamins, paper plates, plastic utensils.

Radio - battery powered and NOAA weather radio with extra batteries.

Blankets, pillows etc.

Clothing - seasonal, rain gear/ sturdy shoes.

First Aid Kit - plus medicines, prescription drugs.

Special items - for babies and the elderly.

Toiletries - hygiene items, moisture wipes, sanitizer.

Flashlight and batteries.

Keys.

Toys, books, games.

Pet care items, proper identification, immunization records, ample food and water, medicine, a carrier or cage, leash.

Store important documents in a fire and water proof container.

Insurance papers Medical records Bank account numbers Social Security cards Deeds or mortgages Birth and marriage certificates Stocks and bonds Recent tax returns Wills

Keep Your Kit Fresh

Remember to replace stored food and water every six months, keep a supply of fresh batteries on hand and keep your most important up-to-date family papers in a fire and water proof container.

The Importance of Water Stocking an emergency

water supply should be one of your top priorities so you will have enough water on hand for yourself and your family.

While individual needs will vary depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate, a normally active person needs at least two quarts of drinking water daily.

Children, nursing mothers and people who are ill need more water.

Very hot temperatures can also double the amount of water needed.

Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes, and possibly for cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day.

When storing water, use thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined containers. Don’t use containers that can break, such as glass bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Camping supply stores offer a variety of appropriate containers.

Plastic containers, like soda bottles, are best.

Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark place. It is important to change stored water every six months.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

THE 2019 HURRICANE SHELTER LIST NEW PROVIDENCE EASTERN DISTRICT

1. Canon Neil E Roach Hall, Holy Cross Anglican Church 2. Fox Hill Community Centre 3. New Dimensions Ministries 4. Pilgrim Baptist Temple 5. Anglican Church of the Epiphany 6. Salvation Army

ADDRESS Highbury Park Fox Hill Road Joe Farrington Road St James Road Prince Charles Drive Mackey Street

SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT 7. Agape Full Gospel Baptist Church 8. All Saints Community Centre, All Saints Anglican Parish 9. Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church 10. Good News Seventh Day Adventist Church 11. Love Worth Finding Ministries 12. New Bethlehem Baptist Church 13. Remnant Tabernacle of Praise 14. Southwest Cathedral Church of God

Kennedy Subdivision Joan’s Heights Blue Hill Road Flamingo Gardens Golden Isles Road Independence Drive Carmichael Road Carmichael Road

CENTRAL DISTRICT 15. Calvary Baptist Church (Haitian) 16. Centreville Seventh Day Adventist Church 17. Church of God of Prophecy 18. Ebenezer Mission Baptist Evangelistic Church 19. Grant’s Town Seventh Day Adventist Church 20. Rev Dr O A Pratt Educational Building, St John’s Native Baptist Church 21. Samuel & Cornella Williams Community Centre, Salvation Army

West Avenue 5th Terrace East Street St Charles Vincent Street Wellington Street Meeting Street Meadow Street

WESTERN DISTRICT

22. Bahamas Cooperative Public Officers Union Farrington Road 23. Hillview Seventh Day Adventist Church Tonique Williams Darling Highway 24. Mount Moriah Baptist Church Farrington Road 25. New Providence Community Centre Blake Road 26. St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Western Road NEW PROVIDENCE EMERGENCY SPECIAL USE SHELTERS EASTERN DISTRICT

1. Epworth Hall, Ebenezer Methodist Church (For use by homeless and people with physical disabilities) Shirley Street 2. Church of God Convention Centre (For use by Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre) Joe Farrington Road WESTERN DISTRICT

3. Sir Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium (For use by Princess Margaret Hospital) FAMILY ISLANDS NORTH ABACO Amy Roberts Primary School Faith Walk Church of God (Community Centre) Fox Town Primary (Pre-School) Grand Cay All Age (Pre-School) Grand Cay All Age (Middle School) CENTRAL ABACO Central Abaco Primary School Abaco Central High School Man-O-War Public Primary School Guana Cay All Age School Hope Town Primary School SOUTH ABACO Soul Seeking Ministries Moore’s Island All Age School Sandy Point Community Centre Crossing Rocks Primary School Assemblies of God Church ACKLINS Community Centre Chester’s Bay Centre

Mychal Thompson Blvd

Green Turtle Cay Cooper’s Town Fox Town Grand Cay Grand Cay Dundas Town Murphy Town Man-O-War Cay Guana Cay Hope Town Moore’s Island Moore’s Island Earnest Dean Highway Crossing Rocks Cherokee Rocks Spring Point Chester’s Bay

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 30, 2019, PAGE 5

Command Centre (Spring Point Police Station) Joshua Kingdom Ministries

Spring Point Pine Field

NORTH ANDROS Clara E. Evans Primary School Command Centre (Police Station) First Baptist Church B. A. Newton Primary Church of God of Prophecy BARTAD Building

Nicholl’s Town Nicholl’s Town San Andros Red Bays North Mastic Point B. A. R. C. Community

CENTRAL ANDROS St. Bartholomew Church Of God Pentecostal Church Catholic Church Miracle Revival Mt. Sinai Baptist Mt. Ethel Baptist Highway Pentecostal Love At First Sight

Behring Point Cargill Creek Bowen Sound Fresh Creek Calabash Bay Calabash Bay Love Hill Blanket Sound Stafford Creek

SOUTH ANDROS South Andros Senior Home Cleola McKenzie Preschool Rev. Euthal Rodgers Primary St. Paul Baptist Church Friendship Baptist Church

Kemp’s Bay Long Bay Cays Deep Creek Black Point The Bluff

MANGROVE CAY ANDROS Burnt Rock Primary School Mangrove Cay High School St. Peter’s Baptist Church

Burnt Rock Swain’s Little Harbour

BERRY ISLANDS Church of God of Prophecy

Bullocks Islands, Bullocks Harbour

BIMINI & CAT CAY Gateway Gymnasium Transformation Diaspora Church Former Gov’t Clinic B.U.B. Hall Bimini Big Game

Kings Hwy, Bailey Town Queen’s Hwy, Bailey Town King’s Hwy, Alice Town Queen’s Hwy, Alice Town King’s Hwy, Alice Town

CAT ISLAND St. Mark’s Baptist Church Zion Baptist Church Zion Baptist Church Mt. Sinai Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Lovely Zion Baptist Church St. Andrew’s Anglican Sea View Seventh-Day Adventist

Port Howe McQueen’s Cheer Road New Bight New Bight The Bluff Arthur’s Town Wilson Bay

CROOKED ISLAND/LONG CAY Ezekiel Thompson Hall Church of God of Prophecy Don Leadon’s Residence All Saints Anglican Church/Priest Residence Command Centre

Cabbage Hill, Crooked Island Cripple Hill, Crooked Island Albert Town, Long Cay Church Grove, Crooked Island Administrator Residence

NORTH ELEUTHERA The Haitian People Church Charles Wesley Methodist Church Mission Church of God The Current Community Center Zion Methodist Church Lighthouse Church of God New Alliance Church of God

The Bluff Lower Bogue Upper Bogue The Current Current Islanda Harbour Island Harbour Island

HARBOUR ISLAND Public Library

Harbour Island

CENTRAL ELEUTHERA Salvation Army Church of the Nazarene Emily G. Petty Primary School Camp Symonette George E. Johnson Memorial

Palmetto Point Palmetto Point Governor’s Harbour James Cistern, Gregory Town Hatchet Bay

SOUTH ELEUTHERA Church of God of Prophecy Rock Sound Primary School Green Castle Primary School Wemyss Bight Primary School Deep Creek Primary School St. Mary the Virgin Church

Tarpum Bay Rock Sound Green Castle Wemyss Bight Deep Creek Bannerman Town

EXUMA AND CAYS St. Mary’s Anglican Church St. Peter’s Union Baptist Church St. Theresa’s Catholic Church St. Andrew’s Community Centre Exuma Resource Centre Mt. Olive Union Baptist Church Bethel Union Baptist Church Mt. Herman Union Baptist Church Palestine Union Baptist Church Ebenezer Baptist Church St. Margaret’s Anglican Church Calvary Mission Baptist Church Mt. Sinai Union Baptist Church Ebenezer Union Baptist Church St. Luke’s Baptist Church / Airport Terminal Building Mt. Olivet Baptist Church St. Mary’s Baptist Church

Williams Town Forbes Hill George Town George Town Hooper’s Bay Hartswell Ramsey Mt. Thompson The Forest Farmer’s Hill Harts/Steventon Rolleville Stuart Manor Barraterre Black Point Staniel Cay Farmer’s Cay

GRAND BAHAMA Foster B. Pestaina Centre Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King (Special Needs Shelter) East Atlantic Drive and Pioneers Way First Baptist Church Hall Columbus Drive and Nansen Avenue Central Church of God Hall Coral Road Maurice Moore Primary School Sandcombe Drive Church of God of Prophecy Sea Grape, Eight Mile Rock Freeport Seventh-Day Adventist Church Gambier and Beach Way Drive Cancer Association West Atlantic Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church Torcross Road Mt. Zion Baptist Church Martin Town INAGUA St. Philips Community Center Zion Baptist Community Center New Life Seventh-Day Adventist LONG ISLAND Community Centre

SUPPLIES being stocked up at Sir Kendal Issacs Gym ahead of Hurricane Irma.

PHOTO: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

Smith Street, Matthew Town Albert Street, Matthew Town Kortwright and Russell Street Clarence Town

Holy Family Anglican Church Assemblies of God Holy Cross Anglican Church Salem Baptist Church Seymour’s Gospel Chapel St. John’s Anglican Church Highway Church of God

Mortimer’s Salt Pond Hamilton’s Miller’s Seymour’s Buckley’s Doctor’s Creek

MAYAGUANA Berea Mission Church Bahamas Evangelic Church Association St. James Native Baptist Church St. John’s Particular Church of Native Baptist Churches

Pirates Hill Abraham’s Bay Abraham’s Bay

RAGGED ISLAND Holy Innocents Anglican Church SAN SALVADOR Fellowship In Christ Church RUM CAY Gerace Research Centre

Ragged Island Cockburn Town United Estates

PAGE 6, Friday, August 30, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

CAPTAIN STEPHEN RUSSELL, director of NEMA.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

NEMA says ‘be prepared’

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net

THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Bahamians to be aware of their level of preparedness.

Hurricane forecasters are predicting an average of nine to 15 named storms, of which four to eight are expected to intensify to hurricane strength, with a chance of two to four

becoming major storms category three or higher.

Director of the Bahamas’ Meteorology Department Trevor Basden presented the forecast from figures published by the Colorado State University (CSL).

The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Mr Basden said: “For the last 11 years, we have had eight named storms in May so again it just takes one tropical cyclone to affect

an area and that is devastation enough...again we are advising the general public to be prepared.

“We are embarked on a doppler radar project since October 2016 and at present doppler radar project has been installed on the island of New Providence and located at the Lynden Pindling International Airport then a radar installed in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, since 2017 and in 2018 we finished a radar installation

In Millington, Long Island.

“The project speaks to five doppler radar installations so we have three of the five and the other installations will be in Mayaguana and Ragged Island. How we have these radars strategically placed, the whole entire Bahamas will be covered and also supporting that we have invested in automatic weather observation systems.”

He added: “We will be able to give very precise indications of hail, tornadoes, water spouts, any severe weather whether thunder, lightning and the like so at the end of this project we will have stateof-the-art coverage of any weather system in The Bahamas.”

Captain Stephen Russell, NEMA director, said their aim is to ensure that the entire Bahamas is prepared to respond to any form of man-made or natural disasters particularly as we

approach the 2019 hurricane season.

He said: “Our theme for this year is be prepared, Bahamas. The islands of The Bahamas have been impacted with seven major systems over the past 20 year. We probably had as much as 15 or more major systems of hurricanes that impacted the archipelago.

“We are aiming to ensure the country is resilient to be able to better withstand these major hurricanes that are coming.”

Chrystal Glinton, NEMA deputy permanent secretary, said during the month of June the agency reminds the public of the importance of being prepared.

She said: “For the last 15 years we have reminded the public to be prepared for the hurricane season.

“From the 17th through the 29th, we are going into the schools - primary schools, in particular. We are going to distribute

preparedness material because we realised that from the cradle to the grave once we inform children, they will ensure that their parents are reminded to be prepared.

“On Saturday, June 29, we are going to have a float parade throughout the island between the hours of 10am and 3pm. We are going through the areas of Bain and Grants Town, Kemp Road, Englerston, Coconut Grove, Elizabeth Estates, Fox Hill and Pinewood Gardens. We are going to distribute preparedness information and material.”

In 2015, the southern Bahamas was affected by hurricane Joaquin. In 2016, New Providence, Grand Bahama, Berry Islands, North and Central Andros were affected by Hurricane Matthew. In 2017, Hurricane Irma affected the southeast and northwest Bahamas.

TRACKING THE STORM BEFORE a hurricane even happens, you can track the progress of a storm moving toward The Bahamas, using longitude and latitude co-ordinates to pinpoint the storm’s location when hurricane advisories are released by the Department of Meteorology.

Longitudes are represented by the lines running up and down on the map.

Latitudes are lines running across the map from side to side.

Nassau, in the centre of the island chain, is located at 25 degrees North latitude and 77 degrees West longitude.

The helpful Bahamas Meteorology Department website (www. bahamasweather.org.bs) recommends using a map to track a storm. Once you have located it using latitude and longitude, you can use different coloured markers or small magnets to plot its movement.

The concentric circles show how far, in miles, the storm is from our islands.

You can keep informed of the storm’s progress by taping or pinning the map up in a prominent place in your home. As the storm moves within the 500-mile range, you can again review their emergency plans to be assured that all possible preparations have been made.

ENERGY SOURCE The source of a hurricane’s energy is derived

AERIAL view of a hurricane over the ocean. from warmer than aver- definitions of terms and age ocean water along the signals that you may be equator and a correspond- hearing during the hurriing higher level of humidity, cane season, from June to says the department.

November: A low-pressure area is • Tropical Depression is created when water-laden a weather front with susclouds release heavy rains as the warm air rises. Sur- tained winds of less than face air spirals inward and 39mph • Tropical Storm is a upward in a counter-clockwise direction to fill the cyclone where winds range partial vacuum, reaching from 39 to 73mph tens of thousands of feet • Hurricane is a tropiabove sea level to become cal cyclone with winds of the hurricane’s eye.

74mph or more. Torrential While the eye is almost rains and destructive waves, calm and is often exposed to blue sky, the winds near- known as storm surge, may create flood conditions in est the eye are strongest.

More lives are claimed coastal and lowlying areas.

• When a Tropical by storm surge and floodforms, the ing than by the winds of a Depression hurricane.

Met Office begins to issue The Department of a series of advisories, Meteorology has an early which include watches and warning system linked to warnings, based on the satellites that records the strength and position of formation of storms, and then tracks them. The an approaching storm, as developing storm area follows: • A Hurricane Watch is is visible on the satellite pictures, and its progress declared by the Met Office is monitored by the Met if winds are expected to Office. reach the islands within 48 hours • A Hurricane Warning is declared by the Met Office when dangerous conditions are expected to affect the Here are some of the islands.

WORDS OF WARNING

THE TRIBUNE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 28, Friday, August 30, 2019, PAGE 7 DESTRUCTION on Ragged Island after Hurricane Irma.

2019 HURRICANE NAMES List of 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Names: These names were recycled from the 2013 season, which was considered a quiet year with no major hurricanes.

HOW STORMS GET THEIR NAMES SINCE 1953, Atlantic tropical storms had been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Centre in the US. They are now maintained and updated through a strict procedure by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

According to the centre’s wesbite, www.nhc.noaa.gov, the lists are used in rotation and re-cycled every six years, so the 2016 list will be used again in 2022.

The only time that there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity.

If that happens, then at an annual meeting by the WMO committee the offending name is removed from the list and another name is selected to replace it.

Several names have been retired since the lists were created.

If a storm forms in the off-season, it will take the next name in

the list based on the current calendar date.

For example, if a tropical cyclone formed on December 28, it would take the name from the previous season’s list of names.

If a storm formed in February, it would be named from the subsequent season’s list of names.

In the event that more than 21 named tropical cyclones occur in the Atlantic Basin in a season, additional storms will take names from the Greek alphabet.

There is an exception to the retirement rule. Before 1979, when the first permanent sixyear storm name list began, some storm names were simply not used anymore.

For example, in 1966, ‘Fern’ was substituted for ‘Frieda’ and no reason was cited.

There are, however, a great number of destructive storms not included on this list because they occurred before the hurricane naming convention was established in 1950.

For several hundred years many hurricanes in the West Indies were named after the particular saint’s day on which the hurricane occurred.

The Hurricane Centre website reports that Ivan R Tannehill described in his book ‘Hurricanes’ the major tropical storms of recorded history and mentions many hurricanes named after saints.

There was ‘Hurricane Santa Ana’ which struck Puerto Rico with exceptional violence on July 26, 1825, and ‘San Felipe’ (the first) and ‘San Felipe’ (the second) which hit Puerto Rico on September 13 in both 1876 and 1928.

The website explains that Tannehill also tells of Clement Wragge, an Australian meteorologist who began giving women’s names to tropical storms before the end of the 19th century.

An early example of the use of a woman’s name for a storm was in the novel ‘Storm’ by George

Andrea Barry Chantal Dorian Erin Fernand Gabrielle

R Stewart, published by Random House in 1941.

During World War II the practice apparently became widespread in weather map discussions among forecasters, especially Army and Navy meteorologists who plotted the movements of storms over the wide expanses of the Pacific Ocean.

In 1953, the United States abandoned a two-year-old plan to name storms by a phonetic alphabet (Able, Baker, Charlie) when a new, international phonetic alphabet was introduced. That year, the United States began using female names for storms.

The practice of naming hurricanes solely after women came to an end in 1978 when men’s and women’s names were included in the Eastern North Pacific storm lists.

In 1979, male and female names were included in lists for the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

The Hurricance Centre website explains the reasons for even having a naming convention:

Humberto Imelda Jerry Karen Lorenzo Melissa Nestor

Olga Pablo Rebekah Sebastien Tanya Van Wendy

“Experience shows that the use of short, distinctive names in written as well as spoken communications is quicker and less subject to error than the older, more cumbersome latitude-longitude identification methods.

“These advantages are especially important in exchanging detailed storm information between hundreds of widely scattered stations, coastal bases, and ships at sea.

“The use of easily remembered names greatly reduces confusion when two or more tropical storms occur at the same time. For example, one hurricane can be moving slowly westward in the Gulf of Mexico, while at exactly the same time another hurricane can be moving rapidly northward along the Atlantic coast.

“In the past, confusion and false rumours have arisen when storm advisories broadcast from radio stations were mistaken for warnings concerning an entirely different storm located hundreds of miles away.”