The coincidence prompted humorous posts and edited images showing the politician at the centre of the storm. However, the hurricane has no connection to the vice president. Its name was selected from a predetermined list maintained under the World Meteorological Organization’s storm-naming system.
Tropical cyclone names are assigned according to regional lists, which are generally reused every six years. The name Vance has appeared before, including in 2014, when a storm reached Category 2 strength before weakening.
The latest hurricane has revived interest in the naming system, with internet users turning the unusual coincidence into a source of humour. The next names on the eastern North Pacific list are Winnie, Xavier, Yolanda and Zeke.
Vance is scheduled to return to the list in 2032 unless its name is retired.