Hurricane names are chosen from lists maintained by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These lists include male and female names, as well as names from other cultures. The names are rotated every six years, with the 2023 list being used again in 2029.
2. What Happens If a Storm Name Needs to Be Retired?
If a storm is so deadly or costly that its name would be inappropriate for future use, it can be retired. For example, names like Katrina, Sandy, and Maria were retired after causing significant damage and loss of life. The WMO committee decides on the retirement of names at an annual meeting.
3. How Many Names Are on the List?
There are six lists of 21 names each for the Atlantic hurricane season. This means there are a total of 126 names available for use over the six-year cycle. However, due to the limited number of names starting with Q, U, X, Y, and Z, these letters are skipped.
4. What Happens If All 21 Names Are Used?
If all 21 names on the list are used, the World Meteorological Organization uses a supplemental list of names. This list includes names like Adria, Braylen, Caridad, Deshawn, Emery, Foster, Gemma, Heath, Isla, Jacobus, Kenzie, Lucio, Makayla, Nolan, Orlanda, Pax, Ronin, Sophie, Tayshaun, Viviana, Will, etc.
5. How Often Are Hurricane Names Recycled?
Hurricane names are recycled every six years. The same list of names is used again after a six-year cycle. For example, the names used in 2023 will be used again in 2029.
6. What Are the Names for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season?
The names for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season include Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Francine, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William.
7. What Happens If We Run Out of Names?
If more than 21 named tropical cyclones occur in a season, additional storms will take names from an alternate list approved by the WMO. This has only occurred twice in the past 15 years, and it is expected that this might happen again in 2024 due to the predicted high activity of the hurricane season.
