The Meaning Behind UK Storm Names
When you hear the name “Storm Floris”, it might sound more like a perfume ad than a serious weather alert. But in the UK, storm names are a real part of how weather warnings are communicated and they’re more thought-out than you might imagine.
If you’re new to the UK or just curious (especially our Desi readers!), here’s the lowdown.
How Are UK Storms Named?
Storm naming in the UK began in 2015, when the Met Office (UK) and Met Éireann (Ireland) decided to name storms the same way hurricanes are named in the US. The idea? Make severe weather feel more personal and make people pay attention.
Studies showed that people are more likely to take warnings seriously if a storm has a name.
Every year, a new list of names (from A–Z) is created jointly by:
- The UK Met Office
- Met Éireann (Ireland)
- KNMI (Netherlands)
Why the Name “Floris”?
Floris is a Dutch name, derived from Latin, meaning “flowering” or “in bloom.” It’s traditionally a male name in the Netherlands.
So how did a floral-sounding name end up attached to stormy skies and fallen trees? UK Travel Safety
Because the storm hit the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands, it was likely selected from a joint list with international contributions, hence the Dutch origin.
Naming storms isn’t about what the storm feels like. It’s about tracking and public messaging.
What Kind of Storm Gets a Name?
Not every rainy day gets a name. Storms are named only if they’re expected to cause:
- Yellow, amber, or red weather warnings
- Disruption to travel, power, or daily life
- Risk to life from wind, rain, or snow
In Storm Floris’ case, forecasts predicted:
- Strong winds (up to 80 mph)
- Heavy rain and flooding risk
- Coastal disruptions
Kind of, but less dramatic.
India also uses rotating name lists, but usually for tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea. Those are much larger in scale.
In contrast, UK storms tend to be smaller but can still wreak havoc, especially with power cuts and transport shutdowns. Knowing the name helps you follow alerts on the news, weather apps, or Twitter (look for hashtags like #StormFloris).
What Should You Do?
If a named storm is coming:
- Stay updated on the Met Office app or website
- Follow transport updates for delays
- Bring in garden furniture or bins
- Avoid walking under old trees or loose scaffolding
- Prepare for power cuts or water issues in rural areas
So no, Storm Floris isn’t a Hollywood villain or a Lush bath bomb. It’s a real weather event and its name is part of a smart system to keep us all safer and better informed.
💬 Heard of a funny or elegant-sounding UK storm before? Let us know your favourite
