How Many Hurricane Names Have Been Retired?
As of the end of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, 96 hurricane names have been permanently retired from the rotating lists used by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These names are retired due to the exceptional destruction and loss of life they caused, preventing their reuse for future storms out of respect for the victims and to avoid causing undue emotional distress.
The Significance of Retired Hurricane Names
The retirement of a hurricane name is a significant marker in meteorological history. It signifies a storm that caused such widespread devastation and loss that its name becomes synonymous with tragedy. This act of removing the name from the rotating lists serves as a somber reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. It’s not simply about avoiding confusion; it’s about honoring the memory of those affected and acknowledging the enduring impact of these catastrophic events.
A History of Retirement: From Carol to Ian
The first hurricane name to be retired was Carol in 1954, following its devastating impact on the northeastern United States. Since then, dozens more names have been added to the list, each representing a storm of exceptional intensity and destructiveness. Iconic examples include Andrew (1992), Katrina (2005), Harvey (2017), Maria (2017), and most recently, Ian (2022). The frequency of retirements has increased in recent decades, possibly reflecting the growing intensity of hurricanes and the increased vulnerability of coastal populations.
Understanding the Retirement Process
The decision to retire a hurricane name is made by the WMO’s hurricane committees, which meet annually to assess the impact of the previous season’s storms. The committee considers factors such as the storm’s intensity, the geographical area affected, the number of lives lost, and the overall cost of damage. If a storm meets the criteria for retirement, the affected countries can formally request that the name be removed from future lists. The retirement is then voted on by the committee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Retired Hurricane Names
How does the WMO decide which hurricane names to retire?
The WMO’s Hurricane Committee considers several factors. Predominantly, if a hurricane is so devastating that the future use of its name would be insensitive to those who suffered losses, the name is considered for retirement. This involves assessing the storm’s intensity, the extent of damage, and, most importantly, the number of fatalities and the emotional impact on affected communities. Formal requests are made by the countries directly impacted by the storm.
Are there specific criteria for a hurricane name to be retired?
While there are no hard and fast, numerical criteria, a hurricane must demonstrate extreme devastation to warrant retirement. The severity of the storm’s impact on human life and property is paramount. The committee also considers the overall disruption caused by the hurricane and the long-term consequences for the affected regions.
Do all hurricane names get recycled eventually if not retired?
Yes, except for those retired. The WMO maintains six lists of names that rotate annually. This means the same list is reused every six years, unless a storm is so devastating that its name is retired. The names are pre-determined and alternate between male and female names (though this has evolved – see below).
What happens to a retired hurricane name?
A retired hurricane name is permanently removed from the rotating lists. It will never be used again for a hurricane in the same basin. The name is replaced with a new name, which is chosen to maintain the alphabetical order and gender balance of the list.
Who chooses the replacement name for a retired hurricane name?
The WMO’s Regional Association IV (RA IV) Hurricane Committee, which includes representatives from nations serviced by the National Hurricane Center, is responsible for selecting replacement names. They aim to choose names that are culturally appropriate and easily pronounceable in the region.
Have any letters been removed from the naming lists altogether?
While letters themselves aren’t removed entirely, it’s worth noting that the Atlantic hurricane name lists don’t include names beginning with the letters Q, U, X, Y, or Z. This is because there are relatively few names that begin with these letters, making it difficult to maintain a balanced and diverse list.
Are hurricane names only retired in the Atlantic basin?
No. The practice of retiring hurricane names is followed in other regions where tropical cyclones occur, including the Eastern North Pacific (where hurricanes are also common) and the Western North Pacific (where typhoons occur), as well as other basins around the world that experience tropical cyclones. Each regional meteorological organization has its own procedures for naming and retiring storms.
Is there a limit to the number of hurricane names that can be retired in a single season?
No, there is no specific limit. If multiple hurricanes in a single season cause significant devastation, the WMO can retire multiple names. For instance, both the 2005 and 2017 seasons saw a remarkably high number of names retired.
What happens if all the names on a list are used up in a hurricane season?
Prior to 2021, if all the names on the list were exhausted, Greek alphabet letters were used to name subsequent storms. However, this practice was discontinued due to confusion and communication issues, particularly in non-English-speaking regions. Since 2021, a supplemental list of names is used if the primary list is exhausted.
Are only names of hurricanes that hit land retired?
While most retired names are associated with hurricanes that made landfall and caused widespread damage, a hurricane can have its name retired even if it remains over the ocean. The key factor is the severity of the impact on human life and property. If a hurricane, even if it doesn’t make landfall directly, causes significant loss of life at sea, such as sinking ships, its name could still be considered for retirement.
Has the gender distribution of hurricane names changed over time?
Originally, only female names were used for hurricanes. This practice was changed in 1979 when male names were included in the lists. Today, the lists alternate between male and female names, aiming for a balanced representation. This change was made to reflect a more equitable approach to naming storms.
Can a country request that a hurricane name not be retired?
While the decision ultimately rests with the WMO’s Hurricane Committee, the committee does consider the perspectives of affected countries. If a country believes that the impact of a hurricane, while significant, doesn’t warrant retirement, they can express their views to the committee. However, the final decision is based on a comprehensive assessment of all available information.
The Future of Hurricane Naming and Retirement
As climate change continues to influence the intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones, the issue of hurricane naming and retirement will likely become even more relevant. The increasing number of powerful storms may lead to more names being retired each year, emphasizing the need for effective preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable communities. The thoughtful and responsible approach to naming and remembering these storms is a crucial part of our collective effort to understand and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.