Statistics show no evidence of gender bias in the public's hurricane preparedness

Jung et al. (1) make the bold claim that a storm’s assigned gender (traditionally masculine vs. feminine name) predicts its destructive potential, such that a hypothetical Hurricane Eloise would have three times the expected death toll compared with a hypothetical Hurricane Charley, by 41 deaths to 15 deaths. They say that feminine names and pronouns are perceived by the public to be less threatening, resulting in lax preparations and fewer evacuations. Their conclusion was widely reported in the popular press. During 30+ years on the Gulf Coast, my hurricane evacuations show no gender bias (Andrew, Lili, Rita, and Gustav). I am skeptical that sexism …