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Why Do Snowstorms Have Names Now?
Not all meteorologists accept the name game, or acknowledge this storm as Nemo.
In regard to the recent snow storm, we heard some questions about the occasional—but perhaps not frequent—references to the storm as "Nemo." While it makes for some good jokes about that cute little orange fish, Nemo is not the brainchild of the Disney Corporation, but rather, a pre-determined name The Weather Channel gave to this latest storm. If you missed it: The Weather Channel in October announced it would name "noteworthy winter storms" in the 2012-2013 winter season. Sure, snowstorms have been informally named after the fact (remember Snowtober?) This is the first season, however, that The Weather Channel is naming them as it does hurricanes and tropical storms. The rationale? According to the Weather Channel, names raise awareness…
In this Article:
Chuck Anziulewicz
3:35 pm on Monday, February 11, 2013
The Weather Channel really ought to end this pointless publicity stunt of naming winter storms. What gives them the right to do this? Even the National Weather Service had this to say: "The National Weather Service does not name winter storms because a winter storm's impact can vary from one location to another, and storms can weaken and redevelop, making it difficult to define where one ends and…   more ›