Hurricane Sandy

Journalist " David Rohde” writes: "Those with a car could flee. Those with wealth could move into a hotel. Those with steady jobs could decline to come into work. But the city’s cooks, doormen, maintenance men, taxi drivers and maids left their loved ones at home." He talks about how inequality in New York City has been exposed by Hurricane Sandy.”
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Q: Who gives Hurricane a female name?  Why Sandy or Katrina or....?