The Met Office has already confirmed the storm names to be used across 2024 and 2025 - as the UK hit by Storm Herminia.
It comes as a major incident has been declared in Somerset after overnight flooding as rain and wind continue to batter parts of the UK.
Residents in the worst affected areas of Somerset have been evacuated from their homes, with more than 50 flood warnings in effect across England and two in force in Scotland as the UK recovers from Storm Eowyn.
A series of weather warnings – including a fresh yellow rain alert issued on Monday morning – are in place to cover the potential impacts from the less powerful Storm Herminia, a low pressure system named by meteorologists in Spain, which is expected to feel the strongest winds.
The new storms list – first launched in 2015 – for each year generally runs from early September until late August the following year, coinciding with the beginning of autumn.
James, Lewis and Mavis are all included in the new list in honour of figures from the Met Office’s 170-year history.
The forecaster said James is named after Group Captain James Stagg, who was the chief meteorologist responsible for advising General Dwight Eisenhower on the weather forecast for the D-Day landings.
Lewis is included because of Lewis Fry Richardson, who devised a theory to use maths and physics to make weather forecasts using computers.
Mavis is named after Mavis Hinds, who worked on the earliest Met Office computers.
Along with Met Eireann in Ireland and KNMI, the Dutch weather service, meteorologists name storms so that the communication of severe weather is easier.
Last week Storm Lilian, which brought strong winds exceeding 70mph to northern parts of England and Wales, became the 12th named storm of the 2023/24 season and the first time the letter L has been used for the name.
Storm Herminia fact box
Where 80mph winds and rain will hit UK today as more bad weather follows Storm Eowyn
- Storm Herminia, following Storm Eowyn, brings high winds and heavy rain to parts of England and Wales, prompting yellow weather warnings from the Met Office.
- Wind speeds reached up to 82 mph, causing disruptions to transport and power outages.
- Heavy rainfall, up to 80mm in some areas, poses a risk of flooding, power cuts, and hazardous driving conditions.
- The Met Office forecasts continuing unsettled weather, with strong winds, heavy showers, and a risk of thunder in the coming days. Conditions are expected to become more settled later in the week.
- Multiple flood warnings are in place, and the public is advised to stay updated on weather alerts.
- Read the full story.
Will Lang, who leads responses in times of severe weather for the Met Office, said: “This year, as we celebrate our 170th birthday, it’s great to be able to honour those who have had an impact on our long history of pioneering weather and climate science services.”
The full list for 2024/25 is: Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Eowyn, Floris, Gerben, Hugo, Izzy, James, Kayleigh, Lewis, Mavis, Naoise, Otje, Poppy, Rafi, Sayuri, Tilly, Vivienne and Wren.
