The WMO Hurricane Committee has retired the names of storms Beryl, Helene, Milton, and John due to their destructive impacts in 2024. New names Brianna, Holly, and Miguel will replace Beryl, Helene, and Milton in the Atlantic, while Jake will take John’s place in the eastern Pacific. The organization continues its efforts to enhance early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Hurricane Committee has officially retired the names Beryl, Helene, Milton, and John due to the significant loss and destruction caused by these tropical cyclones in 2024. In the Atlantic basin, the names Beryl, Helene, and Milton will be replaced by Brianna, Holly, and Miguel, respectively. Meanwhile, the name John will be replaced by Jake in the eastern Pacific basin.
The practice of retiring names of severe tropical cyclones is instituted for public safety, as storm names help communicate vital warnings regarding potentially dangerous weather events. Significant improvements in early warning systems have played a critical role in reducing fatalities associated with hurricanes. Hurricane Beryl is noted for being the earliest Category-5 hurricane in the Atlantic, significantly impacting the Caribbean, whereas Helene and Milton inflicted catastrophic harm across the United States.
In 2024, the Atlantic hurricane season experienced heightened activity, with 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The committee has also updated the Region IV Hurricane Operational Plan, allowing earlier advisories for Potential Tropical Cyclones, thereby enhancing preparedness against upcoming storms.
The WMO indicates that tropical cyclones have consistently been a leading cause of human and economic losses globally. Between 1970 and 2021, they were responsible for over 2,000 reported disasters. Notably, while improved risk management and early warnings have reduced fatalities, the economic impact continues to rise, prompting an emphasis on prioritizing these events in international initiatives like Early Warnings For All.
Each storm has left a significant mark, with Hurricane Beryl causing devastation in Grenada, resulting in 34 fatalities. Helene was catastrophic on the U.S. Gulf Coast, with over 248 lives lost and an economic toll of approximately $78.7 billion. Milton was equally destructive, causing 15 fatalities and damages around $34.3 billion. Lastly, Hurricane John led to 29 deaths in Mexico, devastating infrastructure.
The WMO remains committed to enhancing public safety through its efforts in atmospheric science and meteorology, fostering greater international collaboration to mitigate impacts from such natural disasters.
In conclusion, the retirement of the names Beryl, Helene, Milton, and John by the WMO Hurricane Committee underscores the severe repercussions these storms have had in recent times. The introduction of new names is part of an ongoing effort to ensure effective communication regarding storm risks. Through continuous improvements in forecasting and preparedness, the WMO aims to further reduce both fatalities and economic losses associated with hurricanes, reflecting its dedication to public safety and disaster management.
Original Source: wmo.int
