If you hear the names Beryl, Helene, Milton, or John in the future, it won’t be because of a new hurricane. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially retired these names due to the destruction and loss of life caused by the storms in 2024.
Recommended Videos
This decision is part of a long-standing tradition: when a hurricane is so deadly or costly that using its name again would be insensitive, it’s permanently removed from the list.
What this means for future storms
In their place, Brianna, Holly, and Miguel will enter the Atlantic hurricane name rotation, while Jake will replace John in the Eastern Pacific. These names will start appearing in forecasts when their turns come up in the next six-year cycle.
While the naming process may seem like a small detail, it plays a crucial role in public safety, making it easier for communities to track and prepare for storms.
Remembering the impact of 2024’s hurricanes
Hurricane Beryl made history as the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, hitting the Caribbean hard before eventually making landfall in the U.S. as a weaker storm. It tore through Houston, knocking out power for thousands and causing widespread damage—including powerful winds that shattered windows in downtown buildings. WMO says Beryl is responsible for 34 deaths across the region.
Helene, on the other hand, was the deadliest hurricane to strike the U.S. since Katrina, leaving over 248 people dead and causing nearly $79 billion in damage.
Milton followed a few weeks later, making landfall in Florida and producing a deadly tornado outbreak—something that should catch our attention as we head into tornado season here in Texas.
