Look up the 17 winter storm names for 2026–27, from Elbert to Yvette, and who actually decides them

The short answer

The Weather Channel names winter storms, not the National Weather Service, so the names are unofficial. The first name for 2026–27 is Arabella and the list has 21 names.

The 2026–27 list

In the order they will be used. Announced by The Weather Channel on Oct 5, 2026.

  1. Arabella
  2. Brooke
  3. Cedric
  4. Demitri
  5. Elbert
  6. Fletch
  7. Graham
  8. Hadley
  9. Ivory
  10. Jamal
  11. Kat
  12. Langston
  13. Minerva
  14. Nolan
  15. Oakley
  16. Peyton
  17. Rashaad
  18. Seth
  19. Tito
  20. Wilson
  21. Yvette

Source: The Weather Channel announcement. Names are the property of their owner and are shown here for reference. Storm Incoming does not name storms. We follow official National Weather Service alerts.

What to follow for an official warning

Winter storm watches, warnings and advisories come from the National Weather Service and do not carry a name. We list them by state and type.

Winter storms nowActive winter weather alertsWinter storm preparation

Common questions about winter storm names

Who names winter storms?

In the United States, The Weather Channel names winter storms. A committee of its meteorologists decides. The names are not issued by the National Weather Service or any government agency.

Are winter storm names official?

No. The National Weather Service does not name winter storms, and its watches and warnings do not use these names. They are a media naming system. For official alerts, check the National Weather Service for your area.

When does a winter storm get a name?

The Weather Channel names a storm when it expects a high-impact winter storm with significant snow and ice over a large area. Lake-effect snowstorms and pure Arctic cold outbreaks are not named.

Why do winter storm names matter?

A shared name makes one storm easier to follow across forecasts and news. It does not change the danger. Follow the warnings for your location whatever the storm is called.