<P> In November 2012 , TWC began systematically naming winter storms , starting with the November 2012 nor'easter it named `` Winter Storm Athena . '' TWC compiled a list of winter storm names for the 2012 -- 13 winter season . It would only name those storms that are `` disruptive '' to people , said Bryan Norcross , a TWC senior director . TWC 's decision was met with criticism from other weather forecasters , who called the practice self - serving and potentially confusing to the public . Naming though has been used by The Weather Channel ( TWC ) since 2011 , when the cable network informally used the previously - coined name `` Snowtober '' for a 2011 Halloween nor'easter . </P>
<P> In November 2012 , TWC began systematically naming winter storms , starting with the November 2012 nor'easter it named `` Winter Storm Athena . '' TWC compiled a list of winter storm names for the 2012 -- 13 winter season . It would only name those storms that are `` disruptive '' to people , said Bryan Norcross , a TWC senior director . TWC 's decision was met with criticism from other weather forecasters , who called the practice self - serving and potentially confusing to the public . Naming though has been used by The Weather Channel ( TWC ) since 2011 , when the cable network informally used the previously - coined name `` Snowtober '' for a 2011 Halloween nor'easter . </P>
when did the weather channel start naming winter storms
when did the weather channel start naming winter storms
November 2012
November 2012