Who decides on the names of hurricanes?

[Chadija]

Typhoons are always referred to by number in Japan. If you watch Japanese news and CNN, it's not always clear whether they're talking about the same storm system or not.

I don't know what other countries in the western Pacific do.

[JillGat]

Please always add a link to the column you're discussing: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a891027.html

[Chadija]

Sorry. Will do from now on.

[AskNott]

The weather service gets lots of nasty mail every year from folks who were disappointed by wrong forecasts. These letters are sorted by first name initials, and once a year, twenty-six letters are drawn. Those who write several nasty letters in a year are more likely to have a storm named after them. Naturally, those named Xavier and Yolanda are pretty much SOL.
Glad to help out.
--Nott, the large

------------------
AskNott