You could call it a Hurricane Hall of Shame where some storm names get banned.
Out of a rotating list of hurricane names that reappears every six years since 1979, sometimes the list is not the same.
The list occasionally changes due to name retirement.
When a hurricane is particularly destructive, causing significant loss of life and property damage, its name is retired out of respect for the victims and to avoid negative associations with future storms.
This was the case in 2018, when Hurricanes Michael and Florence caused dozens of deaths and flooding in Florida and the Carolinas. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) replaced their names with Francine and Milton after evaluating factors like casualties and damage.
On average, one name is retired each year, although in 2005, five were removed.
The “I” Trend:
Thirteen hurricane names beginning with “I” top the list of retired names. This is not because the letter “I” is inherently unlucky, but rather due to timing.
“I” falls near the middle of the alphabetical naming system, coinciding with the peak of hurricane season in September. This month boasts the most retired names because it marks the peak season with warm ocean temperatures and favorable wind shear, ideal conditions for powerful storms.
September hurricanes have a higher chance of causing significant damage and casualties due to their increased potential for strength. This combination of timing and potential impact makes “I” names more likely to meet the criteria for retirement.
In late August of last year, Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 storm, slammed into Keaton Beach, 150 miles away from Jacksonville, etching itself in history as the most powerful major storm to ever batter that section of Florida’s Nature Coast.
The WMO will convene in late March 2024 to consider retiring names from the 2023 hurricane season, including Idalia, following the precedent set by storms like Irma and Ike.
The most recent names to be retired were Fiona and Ian in 2022. Fiona impacted communities from the Caribbean to Canada, while Ian was the most expensive hurricane in Florida’s history.
Farrah and Idris will replace these names on the rotating list in 2028.