How Are Typhoon Names Chosen? Why Are Some Names Retired?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Typhoon knowledge · 更新 at 2026-10-08
The “International Rotation” System for Typhoon Names
Familiar names such as “MUIFA,” “MANGKHUT,” and “DOKSURI” are not randomly generated. They come from a unified naming list established by the Typhoon Committee under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The committee consists of 14 member countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific region. Each contributes 10 names reflecting the culture of its own country or region, for a total of 140 names used on a rotating basis.
These names have strong regional characteristics: China often selects mythological figures (such as “WUKONG”) or flowers and plants (such as “HAITANG”); Japan favors constellations (such as “USAGI”); and Thailand frequently uses animals (such as “YAGI”). This diverse naming approach makes names easier to remember and share while also reflecting the cultural convergence of the Asia-Pacific region. When the maximum sustained wind near the center of a tropical cyclone reaches force 8–9, corresponding to tropical storm intensity, the next name on the list is adopted in sequence. It is worth noting that this naming system applies only to the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea and operates independently of hurricane naming systems in other ocean basins.
Why Are Some Names “Permanently Retired”?
Although the naming list is used on a rotating basis, names associated with catastrophic disasters or major losses are permanently retired. If a typhoon causes serious casualties or significant economic losses, the member country or region that contributed the name may apply to the Typhoon Committee for its removal. Once approved, the name is deleted from the rotating list and replaced with a new name submitted by the country or region that originally provided it.
The primary purposes of retirement are to avoid historical confusion and to demonstrate humanitarian consideration. For example, the super typhoons “HAIYAN” in 2013 and “RAI” in 2021 were retired because of their extreme destructive power. Retaining these names could create confusion in future disaster records, legal claims, and public memory. More importantly, removing names associated with painful memories respects the emotions of disaster victims and offers psychological comfort. Therefore, when a name is retired, it often marks a highly destructive and catastrophic weather event.
Scientific Preparedness and Emergency Guidance
Understanding the naming rules helps people respond rationally to typhoons, but scientific preparedness is what matters most. Under China’s national standards, tropical cyclones are divided into six categories based on the maximum average wind speed near the center: tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon, severe typhoon, and super typhoon. Different categories correspond to different levels of risk, and the public should closely monitor warning alerts issued by meteorological authorities.
Generally, a yellow warning means that preparations should be made for strong winds and heavy rain. Orange and red warnings may trigger emergency measures such as the suspension of classes, workplace operations, and transportation services. Because geographical conditions and disaster-prevention standards vary by location, specific emergency response measures should follow announcements issued by local governments. Before a typhoon arrives, it is advisable to check and reinforce doors and windows, clear debris from balconies, stock at least three days’ worth of food and drinking water, and avoid travel to coastal areas, low-lying zones, or areas prone to geological disasters.
Respect for nature and knowledge of scientifically sound disaster preparedness are the first line of defense in protecting yourself and your family. For the latest updates on typhoons and real-time typhoon tracks, visit TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com).
This article is original educational content from TyphoonSays. Please refer to the latest official announcements from local governments for policy standards.