The names of the hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton have been officially retired from the Atlantic tropical cyclone lists.
With its departure, the Hurricanes Committee of Region IV of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) approved its replacements: Brianna, Holly, and Miguel, which will enter the active list in the 2030 season when that rotation is used again, as explained by Cuban meteorologist Elier Pila Fariñas on the official site Cubadebate.
The decision was made during the annual committee meeting, recently held to update strategies, products, and procedures, which included representatives from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The names that will no longer be used because they were associated with major impact cyclones were also evaluated.
As usual, names are selected from six rotating lists of 21 names in alphabetical order, featuring both male and female voices in English, Spanish, and French.
These lists are repeated every six years, unless a cyclone is so devastating that its name is retired out of respect for the victims and to avoid future confusion.
Since 2021, there has also been a supplementary list to cover the possibility that the names planned for a season may run out.
In 2024, Beryl, Helene, and Milton gathered sufficient conditions to be eliminated: Beryl was an early and extremely intense storm, breaking several records at the start of the season when less aggressive phenomena typically occur.
Helene, for its part, caused numerous deaths in remote areas along the southeastern coast of the United States due to intense rains, as well as significant material losses.
Milton stood out for reaching minimum pressures below 900 hectopascals, an extremely low figure, and was withdrawn in its first appearance, something that has only happened on eight occasions since the current naming system was implemented.
"This name had been included as a successor to 'Michael,' Pila explained."
The 2024 hurricane season officially concluded on November 30, leaving a devastating toll in the Atlantic. According to reports from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), 18 named storms formed, 11 of which became hurricanes, and five reached major category status (3 or higher), greatly exceeding historical averages.
The impact was especially severe in areas such as the United States, Cuba, and Central America, and economic losses were estimated to exceed 140 billion dollars, along with 378 deaths.
Among the most destructive phenomena of the season, Hurricane Helene stood out, which made landfall in Florida on September 26 as a category 4, causing over 150 deaths and catastrophic damage as it moved from the Gulf of Mexico to the mountains of North Carolina.
Beryl, for its part, broke records by becoming the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded, while Milton was recognized as the most powerful cyclone worldwide in 2024, due to its extreme intensification and record atmospheric pressure.
The season was also marked by the unusual formation of three named storms in November, a month when cyclonic activity typically decreases. For example, Rafael reached Category 3 and struck the west of Cuba, leaving a trail of destruction in provinces such as Artemisa, Havana, and Pinar del Río.
Previously, Hurricane Oscar, a category 1 storm, had severely impacted Guantánamo, causing severe flooding, isolated communities, and at least eight fatalities.
The Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index showed a 34% increase compared to the average, confirming the unusual intensity of this season. The combination of intense cyclones, multiple land impacts, and a high number of fatalities solidified 2024 as one of the most destructive and costly seasons in Atlantic history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Name Retirements and the Impact of the 2024 Hurricane Season
Why are the names of the hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton being retired?
The names of the hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton are retired due to their devastating impact. These hurricanes caused significant loss of life and substantial property damage, prompting the Regional IV Hurricane Committee of the World Meteorological Organization to remove them from future lists to avoid confusion and out of respect for the victims.
What are the new names that will replace Beryl, Helene, and Milton?
The names that will replace Beryl, Helene, and Milton are Brianna, Holly, and Miguel. These names will enter the active list of Atlantic tropical cyclones in the 2030 season, as approved by the Hurricane Committee of WMO Region IV.
What records were set during the 2024 hurricane season?
The 2024 hurricane season broke several records, including Beryl being the earliest recorded category 5 hurricane. Additionally, Milton was one of the most intense hurricanes in the Atlantic with rapid intensification. The season also featured a 34% increase in Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE), reflecting the intensity of the events.
How did Hurricane Helene affect the United States?
Hurricane Helene struck Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, causing over 150 deaths and massive damage. It was recognized as the deadliest hurricane in the United States since Katrina in 2005, affecting areas from the Gulf of Mexico to the mountains of North Carolina.
Filed under:
