Wanted: a name for the storm

How about the "Great Two Weeks Before Christmas Storm." Or the "The 49ers Storm," in honor of the team that shellacked the Seahawks. Or the "Patty Duke Storm" (it was her birthday, after all). Or perhaps "The PSE Storm."

The local National Weather Service (NWS) office, struggling with what to call last week's windstorm, is asking the public to come up with a name for the Big Blow.

"We need a catchy name," said Ted Buehner, with the NWS. "People will remember this storm for years to come."

We have the Inauguration Day Storm in 1993, the Turkey (Thanksgiving) Day Storm of 1983 and the Columbus Day Storm of 1962.

This latest storm didn't fall on a holiday, which makes naming it much trickier.

"This event needs a name," Buehner said. "We've been busting our heads and nothing comes out, so we thought we'd go to all the talent in the community. I have a feeling someone out there will come up with a name to grab attention."

The naming of storms probably is an outgrowth of naming hurricanes, he said.

The NWS, as a government agency, can't offer a prize, except for the thrill of naming the storm, Buehner said, adding he might be able to scrape together money for a plaque.

Entries should be sent to namethewindstorm@noaa.gov and will be accepted through Jan. 4.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com