(QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Hurricane Committee has officially retired the names of four destructive storms from the 2024 hurricane season.
Hurricanes Helene, Beryl, and Milton in the Atlantic and Hurricane John in the Eastern Pacific caused widespread devastation, leading to the decision to remove them from future storm lists.
Hurricane Impact
Hurricane Beryl made history as the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic. It wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction.
Meanwhile, Hurricanes Helene and Milton brought catastrophic damage to the United States. Helene’s flooding was deadly, while Milton’s rapid intensification and landfall near Florida caused 15 deaths and nearly $35 billion in damage.
Hurricane John also left its mark in Mexico, causing flooding in Guerrero and taking many lives.
Why retire names?
The WMO’s tradition of retiring names is a way to respect the memory of those impacted by such storms. When a hurricane causes extraordinary damage, its name is permanently removed to prevent confusion and to honor the victims.
The names will be replaced with Brianna, Holly, Miguel, and Jake in future storm lists. These replacements won’t be used until six years from now, when the rotation returns.
Record-breaking hurricane season
The 2024 hurricane season had 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes. Helene, a Category 4 storm, was the deadliest to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina, claiming over 248 lives.
Milton’s rapid intensification into a Category 5 hurricane brought more destruction, especially in Florida, and triggered a deadly tornado outbreak, authorities said.
Preparing in 2025
As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, the WMO said it’s continuing to improve its strategies. With new advisories now issued up to 72 hours before landfall, the goal is to give people more time to prepare for these potentially devastating storms.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo noted that while the U.S. faces the largest economic losses, smaller island nations often bear the heaviest human and financial tolls.
