Ever wondered how hurricanes get their names? It's not random! A pre-determined list, maintained by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), is used for each Atlantic hurricane season. These lists rotate every six years, meaning the 2024 list will be used again in 2030.
The practice of naming storms began to help people easily remember and communicate about them. Initially, names were often arbitrary, but the current system is much more organized. Each list contains both male and female names, in alphabetical order.
But what happens when a hurricane is exceptionally destructive? The WMO will retire that name. This prevents its use again and avoids causing distress, out of respect for those affected. Names like Katrina, Harvey, and Maria are permanently retired. When a name is retired, the WMO selects a new name to replace it, ensuring the list remains complete and ready for future hurricane seasons. So, the next time you hear a hurricane name, remember the thought and organization behind it!
