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Storm Names Helene, Milton, and Beryl Retired After Destructive 2024 Hurricane Season
Washington D.C. – The names Helene, Milton, and Beryl, associated with particularly destructive hurricanes of the 2024 season, have been officially retired. These storm names will no longer be used for future Atlantic hurricanes due to the significant impact and devastation caused.
World Meteorological Organization Announces Name Replacements
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced Wednesday the replacement names for the trio of 2024 storms. These hurricanes collectively resulted in over 300 fatalities and inflicted more than $119 billion in damages. Brianna, Holly, and Miguel will now take the place of the retired names in the established six-year rotating list for Atlantic storm names. This list is predetermined by a committee of international meteorologists.
Regular Practice of Retiring Storm Names
The practice of retiring names of severe storms is a standard procedure. The list of retired hurricane names is now approaching 100, reflecting the historical impact of particularly devastating weather events. This process ensures names associated with tragic events are removed from future use, showing sensitivity to affected regions.
Hurricane Helene: Significant Loss of Life and Extensive Damage
Of the three, Hurricane Helene was by far the most devastating, responsible for the greatest loss of life and the highest financial cost. Flooding from Helene resulted in 249 deaths, marking the deadliest storm in the United States since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. According to the National Hurricane Center, Helene also ranks as the seventh most financially damaging storm in U.S. history, with total damages reaching $78.7 billion. Although Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region after originating in the Gulf, the majority of fatalities and damage occurred inland, particularly in North and South Carolina.
Hurricanes Milton and Beryl: Further Impact and Casualties
Following closely after Helene, Hurricane Milton brought strong winds, flooding, and tornadoes, causing $34.3 billion in damages. Almost all of Milton’s impact was concentrated in Florida. Hurricane Beryl, notable for being the earliest Category 5 storm to develop in a season (forming in June), caused 68 deaths across the United States, Grenada, Venezuela, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Pacific Region Storm Name Change: John Replaced by Jack
In the Pacific region, the name John, associated with a Category 3 storm that caused 29 deaths in Mexico, is being replaced by the name Jack. This change reflects the WMO’s consistent approach to managing and updating storm naming conventions across different regions.