Why are Brits struggling to get their names on storm lists?

Despite constant efforts, most Brits have had no luck getting their own or their children's names included on the UK's storm name lists, with only a few exceptions like "Wubbo" and "Dave."

What was the impact of the 1987 "Michael Fish" storm?

The 1987 storm, which occurred before storms were officially named, was a devastating weather event that caused significant damage, especially for those responsible for trees and roofs. However, for a 14-year-old who got to skip school and see a movie about a kid who couldn't go to school, it was "the best weather-related thing ever to happen."

How have recent storms like Claudia affected the UK?

While the storm naming system aims to raise awareness and help people prepare, the impacts of recent storms like Claudia have been unevenly distributed. Claudia caused damage in the Algarve and flooding in south Wales, but many outside the affected areas simply looked up the name and went about their day.

Home / Weather / Brits Struggle to Get Their Names on Storm Lists, Despite Constant Efforts

Brits Struggle to Get Their Names on Storm Lists, Despite Constant Efforts

17 Nov

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Summary

Wubbo and Dave made it onto storm name lists, but many personal name suggestions rejected
1987 storm known as "the one Michael Fish said wouldn't happen" was a major event
Storm naming aims to raise awareness and save lives, but impacts felt unevenly across UK

Brits Struggle to Get Their Names on Storm Lists, Despite Constant Efforts

As of November 2025, the UK's storm naming system continues to captivate the public's interest, though not everyone has had success getting their personal names included. While "Wubbo" and "Dave" have made it onto future storm lists, many Brits have tried unsuccessfully to get their own or their children's names recognized.

The article reflects on the infamous 1987 storm, which occurred nearly 30 years before storms were officially named. Known as "the one that Michael Fish said definitely wouldn't happen," this weather event was devastating for those impacted, though a 14-year-old who got to skip school and see a movie about a kid who couldn't go to school found some silver lining.

The storm naming system, introduced by the Met Office 10 years ago, aims to raise awareness and help people prepare. However, the impacts of storms like the recent Claudia, which caused damage in the Algarve and flooding in Wales, are often unevenly distributed, with many outside the affected areas simply looking up the name and going about their day.

The article also humorously recounts the author's own failed attempts to get their family's names included, as well as their son's confusion over the naming conventions. Overall, the piece highlights the quirks and divides created by the UK's storm naming system, which, despite its good intentions, can't ensure that the burden is evenly shared.

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