The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Hurricane Committee has officially retired the names Beryl, Helene, and Milton from the Atlantic basin name list and John from the eastern Pacific list.
The decision reflects the immense death and destruction these storms left in their wake during the 2024 hurricane season.
For those who lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones to these storms, their names will never again be uttered in the same breath as a future hurricane.
Once a storm name is retired, it is gone forever — out of respect for those who endured its wrath and to prevent any painful reminders when hurricane season rolls around again.
What are the replacements?
Hurricane names are reused every six years unless a storm is so catastrophic that its name is permanently retired.
In the Atlantic, Beryl, Helene, and Milton will be replaced by Brianna, Holly, and Miguel.
In the eastern Pacific, John will be replaced by Jake.
These replacements will enter rotation beginning with the 2030 season.
Hurricane naming
While hurricane names attract significant public attention, they serve a vital function in storm preparedness and communication.
Clear and consistent naming conventions help communicate warnings effectively, ensuring the public understands the potential threats from approaching systems.
The impact of the 2024 hurricane season
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was the ninth consecutive above-average season, featuring 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
Hurricane Beryl – A record-breaking storm
Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic.
Making landfall as a Category 4 storm on July 1 in Grenada, it devastated Carriacou and Petite Martinique, where over 98% of homes suffered damage or destruction.
Beryl then impacted Jamaica, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and the United States before finally dissipating.
The storm was directly responsible for 34 fatalities.
Hurricane Helene – A historic disaster for the U.S.
Helene struck Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26, bringing catastrophic flooding to the southern Appalachians and causing extensive wind damage across the southeastern U.S.
With 248 fatalities, Helene was the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. since Katrina in 2005.
The estimated $78.7 billion in damages ranks it among the costliest storms in history.
Hurricane Milton – Rapid intensification and widespread damage
Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, on Oct. 9 as a Category 3 hurricane.
Rapidly intensifying over the Gulf of Mexico, it reached Category 5 strength at its peak.
The storm produced a deadly tornado outbreak across Florida, resulting in 15 fatalities and $34.3 billion in damages.
Hurricane John – Deadly flooding in Mexico
Hurricane John, though in the eastern Pacific, left a lasting impact in Mexico, particularly in the state of Guerrero.
Persistent heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding, causing significant fatalities and economic hardship.
