Why Do We Give Hurricanes Names?
There are so many hurricanes around the world and it is important that people have the accurate data. Before naming hurricanes, the storms were referred to by their longitude and latitude positions. The hurricanes would move quickly though and this became confusing. During World War II, hurricanes were reported through the radio so they were given names. In 1953, feminism was on a rise and therefore hurricanes were named only after women. Finally, in 1979, the World Meteorological Association began using male and female names to make it even between genders. Now, hurricanes are given a name alphabetically at the beginning of the year, alternating between male and female names. All names are reused after six years, except for major hurricanes, such as Hurricane Andrew. We will see what Sandy does. Depending on the outcome, maybe this name will retire too. 

"Hurricane Sandy Jamaica" by Yaad Roc

"Hurricane Sandy Jamaica" by Yaad Roc

Source posted by Julia