Bureau of Meteorology changes next cyclone’s name to avoid confusion with Prime Minister
The Bureau of Meteorology has chosen to rename the next cyclone that forms in Australian waters. Find out why.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The next tropical cyclone to form in Australian waters will be named Alfred instead of Anthony, after the Bureau of Meteorology chose to change the upcoming name to avoid confusion with Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
The decision follows the dissipation of Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia — which struck Western Australia last week — bringing the bureau to the end of its alphabetical list of cyclone names.
Under the bureau’s longstanding naming system, the next cyclone was due to be called Anthony, but the name was removed earlier this month.
“When a name matches a prominent person of the time, we reorder to the next name starting with that same letter to avoid any confusion,” a bureau spokesperson told AAP.
The bureau’s predetermined list of cyclone names runs alphabetically, alternating between male and female names.
With Anthony skipped, Alfred will be the name used for the next cyclone that develops.
The practice of naming cyclones dates back to the early 20th century when meteorologist Clement Wragge began naming storms after politicians he disliked.
The bureau officially adopted a cyclone naming policy in 1963, initially using only female names before switching to alternating male and female names in 1975.
Cyclone names are co-ordinated with neighbouring countries through the World Meteorological Organisation to avoid duplication.
If a cyclone crosses regional borders, such as from Indonesia or Fiji into Australia, it retains the name given by the originating country.
Australia experiences an average of 11 cyclones per season, with names recycled unless a particularly severe storm is retired from the list.
Do you know more? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@dailytelegraph.com.au
Originally published as Bureau of Meteorology changes next cyclone’s name to avoid confusion with Prime Minister
Stamp duty out, land tax in: Plans to fix housing crisis
Scrapping stamp duty and replacing it with land tax is one of a raft of proposed solution to our housing crisis, to be debated at a conference this weekend. Tell us what you think.
Plea to salvage Dubbo’s sport hub
Plans for a regional sports hub bit the dust after locals waited seven years for the doors to open. Now they are asking for one last chance to get the project off the ground.