Monday marks a decade since Storm Abigail became the first officially named storm in the UK. The naming system has enhanced public awareness and safety regarding severe weather events.

At a glance

Impact of Storm Naming

Storm Abigail, which struck north-west Scotland in November 2015, marked the beginning of the UK's official storm naming system. This initiative was launched by the UK Met Office in collaboration with Met Éireann and the Dutch weather service KNMI. The system aims to improve public safety by making severe weather events easier to remember and discuss. Before the introduction of storm names, significant storms were often referred to by the date they occurred, such as the Burns Day storm in 1990. The new naming convention allows for better communication about potential dangers, making it easier for the media and the public to engage with weather warnings. Will Lang, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, emphasized that storm naming serves as a vital public safety tool. He noted that the strategy has proven effective, as demonstrated by the high level of awareness during Storm Floris in August 2025, where 93% of residents in the amber alert area were informed of the warnings.

Criteria for Naming Storms

Storms are named based on their expected impact, which includes potential damage and disruption. The Met Office's National Severe Weather Warnings service assesses these factors to determine whether to issue an amber or red weather warning. While wind strength is a primary consideration, other elements such as rainfall and snow can also influence naming decisions. For instance, Storm Desmond in 2015 recorded the highest daily rainfall for a named UK storm at 267mm. Storms Bert and Darragh in 2024, along with Storm Babet in October 2023, were notable for causing significant flooding. In February 2022, Storm Eunice prompted two rare red weather warnings, marking it as one of the most severe storms in recent years.

Public Engagement and Naming Process

The storm naming process involves collaboration between the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands, with names reflecting the diversity of these countries. Each September, a new list of potential storm names is released, and names are suggested by the public. Some names are inspired by real-life figures, while others are more whimsical. For example, the name "Bram" honors Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, while "Dave" was suggested by a member of the public to celebrate a husband. The name "Ruby," nominated in honor of a beloved grandmother, was the most popular choice beginning with R for the current season. Despite the variety of names, the lists typically start with A and end with W, making it unlikely for names further down the list to be used. Historically, no more than 12 storms have been named in a single season, with the quietest season in the last decade being 2022/23.

Long-Term Trends and Climate Change

Detecting long-term trends in storm activity is complex due to natural fluctuations. Currently, there is no clear evidence of an increase or decrease in the number or intensity of storms. However, scientists are confident that the coastal impacts of windstorms, such as storm surges and high waves, will worsen due to rising sea levels. Climate change is contributing to more extreme weather patterns, leading to heavier rainfall and increased flooding risks. As the climate continues to change, the implications for storm frequency and severity remain a critical area of study for meteorologists and climate scientists alike.