The world of meteorology is filled with fascinating phenomena, and one of the most captivating is the naming of hurricanes. These powerful storms, capable of causing widespread destruction and loss of life, are assigned names that often reflect their intensity and impact. However, there comes a time when a hurricane's name is retired, a decision made by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to honor the memory of the devastation it caused.
The practice of retiring hurricane names began in the 1950s, when the WMO established a list of names that could be used to identify tropical cyclones. Originally, these names were assigned in alphabetical order, but as the number of storms increased, the WMO decided to adopt a more systematic approach. Today, hurricane names are chosen from six rotating lists, each containing 21 names. The lists are maintained by the WMO's Tropical Cyclone Programme and are updated every six years.
The decision to retire a hurricane name is made by the WMO's Tropical Cyclone Programme, which meets annually to review the list of names. A name may be retired if it has been associated with a particularly devastating storm, or if it is deemed to be too controversial or insensitive.
retired hurricane names
Names of destructive storms removed from list.
- Assigned by World Meteorological Organization.
- Retired names honor storm's impact.
- Names retired after causing devastation.
- Replacement names chosen with sensitivity.
- Lists updated every six years.
Retired hurricane names serve as a reminder of the destructive power of these storms and the importance of preparedness.
Assigned by World Meteorological Organization.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is the international body responsible for coordinating global efforts to monitor and predict the weather, climate, and water resources. Among its many duties, the WMO is also tasked with assigning names to tropical cyclones, including hurricanes. This process is carried out by the WMO's Tropical Cyclone Programme, which meets annually to review the list of names and make any necessary changes.
The WMO maintains six rotating lists of hurricane names, each containing 21 names. The lists are arranged alphabetically, with the first list starting with the letter "A" and the sixth list ending with the letter "W." Names are chosen from a variety of sources, including names of flowers, animals, birds, and trees. However, certain names are not allowed, such as those that are too common, too controversial, or too similar to other hurricane names.
When a tropical cyclone reaches hurricane strength, it is assigned a name from the appropriate list. The name is then retired if the storm causes significant damage or loss of life. This decision is made by the WMO's Tropical Cyclone Programme, which meets annually to review the list of names. Retired names are replaced with new names that are chosen according to the same criteria as the original names.
The WMO's system of assigning and retiring hurricane names is an important part of the global effort to track and mitigate the impact of these powerful storms. By providing a unique identifier for each hurricane, the WMO helps to ensure that warnings and advisories can be communicated quickly and accurately to those in harm's way.
The WMO's list of retired hurricane names serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of these storms and the importance of preparedness.
Retired names honor storm's impact.
When a hurricane causes significant damage or loss of life, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) may decide to retire its name. This is done to honor the memory of those who were affected by the storm and to raise awareness of the devastating impact that hurricanes can have.
- Katrina
Hurricane Katrina was a Category 5 hurricane that made landfall in the United States in 2005. The storm caused catastrophic damage and flooding, particularly in the city of New Orleans. Over 1,800 people were killed, and the total cost of the damage was estimated to be over $100 billion. Katrina is one of the deadliest and most costly hurricanes in U.S. history, and its name has been retired.
- Sandy
Hurricane Sandy was a Category 3 hurricane that made landfall in the United States in 2012. The storm caused widespread damage along the East Coast, from Florida to Maine. Over 200 people were killed, and the total cost of the damage was estimated to be over $70 billion. Sandy is one of the largest and most destructive hurricanes to ever hit the United States, and its name has been retired.
- Haiyan
Typhoon Haiyan (known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines) was a Category 5 typhoon that made landfall in the Philippines in 2013. The storm caused catastrophic damage and flooding, particularly in the city of Tacloban. Over 6,000 people were killed, and the total cost of the damage was estimated to be over $10 billion. Haiyan is one of the deadliest typhoons in recorded history, and its name has been retired.
- Maria
Hurricane Maria was a Category 5 hurricane that made landfall in Puerto Rico in 2017. The storm caused widespread damage and flooding, leaving the island without power for months. Over 3,000 people were killed, and the total cost of the damage was estimated to be over $90 billion. Maria is the deadliest hurricane in Puerto Rican history, and its name has been retired.
These are just a few examples of hurricanes whose names have been retired due to their devastating impact. The WMO maintains a list of all retired hurricane names, which serves as a reminder of the power of these storms and the importance of preparedness.
Names retired after causing devastation.
The decision to retire a hurricane name is made by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) after a storm has caused significant damage or loss of life. The WMO considers a number of factors when making this decision, including the storm's intensity, the extent of the damage it caused, and the number of lives lost. Once a name has been retired, it can never be used again for another hurricane.
- Intensity
The intensity of a hurricane is measured using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The scale ranges from Category 1 to Category 5, with Category 5 being the most intense. Hurricanes that reach Category 3 or higher are more likely to have their names retired.
- Damage
The extent of the damage caused by a hurricane is also a factor in the decision to retire its name. Hurricanes that cause widespread damage, particularly to infrastructure and property, are more likely to have their names retired.
- Loss of life
The number of lives lost in a hurricane is a major factor in the decision to retire its name. Hurricanes that result in a large number of deaths are more likely to have their names retired.
- Public perception
The public's perception of a hurricane can also influence the decision to retire its name. Hurricanes that are associated with particularly negative memories or emotions are more likely to have their names retired.
These are just some of the factors that the WMO considers when making the decision to retire a hurricane name. The goal is to honor the memory of those who were affected by the storm and to raise awareness of the devastating impact that hurricanes can have.
Replacement names chosen with sensitivity.
When a hurricane name is retired, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) selects a new name to replace it. This process is carried out with great care and sensitivity, as the goal is to choose a name that is both appropriate and respectful.
There are a number of factors that the WMO considers when choosing a replacement name. These factors include:
- Similarity to the retired name: The WMO tries to choose a replacement name that is similar to the retired name in terms of sound and spelling. This helps to maintain continuity and avoid confusion.
- Cultural and historical significance: The WMO also considers the cultural and historical significance of potential replacement names. The goal is to choose a name that is meaningful and relevant to the region where the hurricane occurred.
- Sensitivity to affected communities: The WMO is mindful of the sensitivity of affected communities when choosing a replacement name. The goal is to avoid choosing a name that could be offensive or hurtful to those who were impacted by the hurricane.
The WMO also consults with meteorological experts and the general public when selecting replacement names. This helps to ensure that the new names are both scientifically accurate and acceptable to the communities that will be most affected by them.
Once a new name has been selected, it is added to the list of hurricane names and is used in the next available season. The WMO maintains a database of all retired and replacement hurricane names, which is available to the public.
The WMO's careful and sensitive approach to selecting replacement hurricane names helps to ensure that these names are both appropriate and respectful of the communities that have been impacted by these powerful storms.
Lists updated every six years.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) maintains six rotating lists of hurricane names, each containing 21 names. These lists are updated every six years, which means that a new name is added to each list every year. The names are chosen from a variety of sources, including names of flowers, animals, birds, and trees. However, certain names are not allowed, such as those that are too common, too controversial, or too similar to other hurricane names.
The WMO's decision to update the hurricane name lists every six years is based on a number of factors. First, it helps to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of names to cover the increasing number of tropical cyclones that are occurring each year. Second, it allows the WMO to remove names that have been associated with particularly devastating storms. Third, it gives the WMO an opportunity to select new names that are more culturally and historically relevant to the regions that are most affected by tropical cyclones.
The process of updating the hurricane name lists is carried out by the WMO's Tropical Cyclone Programme. The Programme meets annually to review the list of names and make any necessary changes. The new names are then published in the WMO's Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan, which is used by meteorological services around the world.
The WMO's regular updating of the hurricane name lists is an important part of the global effort to track and mitigate the impact of these powerful storms. By ensuring that there is a sufficient supply of names and by removing names that have been associated with devastating storms, the WMO helps to ensure that warnings and advisories can be communicated quickly and accurately to those in harm's way.
The WMO's commitment to updating the hurricane name lists every six years is a testament to its dedication to keeping communities safe from the impacts of tropical cyclones.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about retired hurricane names:
Question 1: Why are hurricane names retired?
Answer 1: Hurricane names are retired when they have been associated with a particularly devastating storm. This is done to honor the memory of those who were affected by the storm and to raise awareness of the impact that hurricanes can have.
Question 2: Who decides which hurricane names to retire?
Answer 2: The decision to retire a hurricane name is made by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The WMO is the international body responsible for coordinating global efforts to monitor and predict the weather, climate, and water resources.
Question 3: How are replacement hurricane names chosen?
Answer 3: Replacement hurricane names are chosen by the WMO's Tropical Cyclone Programme. The Programme meets annually to review the list of names and make any necessary changes. The new names are chosen from a variety of sources, including names of flowers, animals, birds, and trees.
Question 4: How often are the hurricane name lists updated?
Answer 4: The hurricane name lists are updated every six years. This helps to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of names to cover the increasing number of tropical cyclones that are occurring each year.
Question 5: Can a retired hurricane name ever be used again?
Answer 5: No, a retired hurricane name can never be used again. Once a name has been retired, it is removed from the list of active hurricane names and cannot be used for another storm.
Question 6: Where can I find a list of retired hurricane names?
Answer 6: The WMO maintains a list of all retired hurricane names on its website. The list is updated annually and is available to the public.
Question 7: Why is it important to retire hurricane names?
Answer 7: Retiring hurricane names is important because it helps to honor the memory of those who were affected by the storm and to raise awareness of the impact that hurricanes can have. It also helps to ensure that warnings and advisories can be communicated quickly and accurately to those in harm's way.
I hope this helps to answer some of your questions about retired hurricane names.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the World Meteorological Organization.
Now that you know more about retired hurricane names, here are some tips for staying safe during a hurricane:
Tips
Here are some tips for staying safe during a hurricane:
Tip 1: Be prepared.
Make sure you have a hurricane preparedness kit that includes food, water, first aid supplies, and other essential items. You should also have a plan for where you will go and what you will do if a hurricane threatens your area.
Tip 2: Stay informed.
Monitor the weather forecast and listen to local news broadcasts for updates on the hurricane. If a hurricane warning or watch is issued for your area, take it seriously and take necessary precautions.
Tip 3: Evacuate if necessary.
If you are in an area that is at risk of flooding or storm surge, evacuate to higher ground. Do not wait until it is too late.
Tip 4: Be careful after the storm.
After the hurricane has passed, be careful of downed power lines and trees. Do not enter flooded areas, as there may be hidden hazards. Listen to local authorities for instructions on when it is safe to return home.
Tip 5: Report damage.
If your home or property has been damaged by the hurricane, report it to your insurance company as soon as possible.
By following these tips, you can help to stay safe during a hurricane.
Hurricanes can be powerful and destructive storms, but by being prepared and taking the necessary precautions, you can help to reduce your risk of injury or damage.
Conclusion
Hurricane names are retired when they have been associated with a particularly devastating storm. This is done to honor the memory of those who were affected by the storm and to raise awareness of the impact that hurricanes can have. The decision to retire a hurricane name is made by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which is the international body responsible for coordinating global efforts to monitor and predict the weather, climate, and water resources.
The WMO maintains six rotating lists of hurricane names, each containing 21 names. The lists are updated every six years, which helps to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of names to cover the increasing number of tropical cyclones that are occurring each year. Replacement hurricane names are chosen with care and sensitivity, and they are selected from a variety of sources, including names of flowers, animals, birds, and trees.
Retiring hurricane names is an important part of the global effort to track and mitigate the impact of these powerful storms. By providing a unique identifier for each hurricane, the WMO helps to ensure that warnings and advisories can be communicated quickly and accurately to those in harm's way.
Hurricanes can be powerful and destructive storms, but by being prepared and taking the necessary precautions, you can help to reduce your risk of injury or damage. Remember to stay informed, evacuate if necessary, and be careful after the storm has passed.