18/03/2023

Saidhbhín among storm names suggested by members of the public

Aiden will be the first storm to blow in across Ireland and the UK this winter, according to the new list of names for this years strongest weather systems.
Bella, Gavin, Julia, Minnie, Oscar, Ravi, Saidhbhín and Wilson are among the storm names for 2020-21 announced by Met Éireann, the Met Office and Dutch national weather forecasting service the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI).
Now heading into its sixth year, the Name our Storms collaboration aims to raise awareness of the potential impact of severe weather before it arrives.
The 2020-21 list has been compiled from names suggested by the public which reflect the diversity of the three nations.
Others on the list include Christoph, Darcy, Evert, Fleur, Heulwen, Iain, Klaas, Lilah, Naia, Phoebe, Tobias and Veronica.
From September 1st, the first storm to hit the UK, Ireland and/or the Netherlands will be named Aiden, while the second storm will be Bella.
As in previous years, Q, U, X, Y and Z will not be used, to comply with international storm-naming conventions.
Last week, Ireland was hit by Storm Francis, days after Storm Ellen struck.
Evelyn Cusack, head of forecasting at Met Eireann, said: This summer has closed with Storms Ellen and Francis bringing wet and windy weather to our shores.
As we begin the new storm season for 2020-21, Met Éireann forecasters look forward to working in close co-operation with our colleagues in the UK and Netherlands by continuing to provide a clear and consistent message to the public, encouraging people to take action to prevent harm to themselves or to their property at times of severe weather.
Will Lang, head of the national severe weather warning service at the Met Office, said: The impacts from Storm Ciara and Dennis earlier this year are still fresh in many peoples minds and although its too early to anticipate what weather this autumn and winter will bring, we are prepared with a new list of names to help raise awareness of severe weather before it hits. PA