How Are Typhoons Named? Why Do Some Names Get Retired?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Typhoon knowledge · 更新 at 2026-07-18
The "International Circle of Friends" for Typhoon Names
Names like "Meihua," "Mangkhut," or "Doksuri" that we often hear actually come from a massive naming list. The naming of tropical cyclones in the Northwest Pacific and the South China Sea is managed by the Typhoon Committee, a body under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This committee consists of 14 member countries and regions, each contributing 10 names, resulting in a total of 140 names used in rotation.
These names are not chosen at random but feature distinct regional cultural characteristics. For example, names provided by China are mostly derived from myths, legends, flowers, or plants, such as "Wukong" and "Haitang"; Japan favors constellation names, such as "Usagi"; while Thailand commonly uses animal names, such as "Capricorn." This diverse naming approach not only facilitates memory and dissemination but also reflects the cultural integration of the Asia-Pacific region. When a tropical cyclone reaches severe tropical storm intensity (maximum sustained winds near the center of force 8-9), the next name on the list is activated in sequence.
Why Do Some Names Get "Permanently Retired"?
Although the naming list is used cyclically, not all names complete their full cycle. If a typhoon causes particularly severe disasters or significant losses, the member that contributed the name can apply to the Typhoon Committee for its retirement. Once approved, the name is permanently removed from the rotation list, and the original contributing country submits a new name as a replacement.
The core reason for retirement is to avoid confusion and show respect for life. For typhoons that have caused massive casualties in history, such as "Katrina" in 2005 (although an Atlantic hurricane, the principle is the same) or "Haiyan" in 2013, reusing their names could easily cause confusion in historical records, legal claims, and public memory. Furthermore, removing names associated with catastrophic disasters serves as a gesture of humanitarian care and psychological comfort for the affected populations. Therefore, a retired name often indicates that the typhoon possessed extreme destructive power or had a special historical impact.
Scientific Defense and Information Access
Understanding the stories behind typhoon names helps us face natural disasters more rationally. According to the Chinese national standard "Tropical Cyclone Grades" issued by the CMA (China Meteorological Administration), typhoons are classified into six levels based on the maximum average wind speed near the center: tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon, severe typhoon, and super typhoon. Different levels correspond to different defense priorities.
When meteorological departments issue typhoon warning signals, the public should closely follow official guidelines. Typically, a yellow warning indicates the need for wind and rain protection; orange and red warnings may trigger emergency measures such as school suspensions, work stoppages, and transport halts. It is important to note that standards may vary by location, so please refer to announcements from local governments. Before a typhoon arrives, check that windows and doors are secured, stock up on necessary food and drinking water, and avoid going to seaside areas or low-lying zones.
While maintaining reverence for nature, mastering scientific disaster prevention knowledge is key to protecting yourself and your family. Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.