3 names removed from list of hurricane names. See what they are and what will replace them

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially retired the names Beryl, Helene, and Milton from the Atlantic hurricane list because of the significant death and destruction they caused in 2024. These hurricanes brought unprecedented damage, with Beryl setting a record as the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, causing severe impacts in the Caribbean. Helene and Milton, both major hurricanes, wreaked havoc in Florida, contributing to one of the most active hurricane seasons on record for the state. The names will be replaced by Brianna, Holly, and Miguel.
Retiring hurricane names is a practice undertaken by the WMO when a storm is so deadly or costly that its future use would be inappropriate due to the emotional toll it carries. The 2024 hurricane season was notably intense, with 18 named storms, surpassing historical averages. The retirement of these names highlights the significant impact of climate change on hurricane activity, emphasizing the need for preparedness and adaptation strategies in vulnerable regions. The upcoming 2025 hurricane season predictions indicate potential volatility, adding urgency to these initiatives.
RATING
The article provides a thorough and accurate account of the retirement of hurricane names Beryl, Helene, and Milton by the WMO, supported by credible information about their impacts in 2024. It is timely and relevant, engaging with public interest topics such as climate change and disaster preparedness. While the article is clear and well-structured, it could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and a deeper exploration of potential controversies surrounding the naming conventions. Overall, the article effectively informs readers about significant weather events and their implications, though it could enhance engagement and credibility with more direct citations and interactive elements.
RATING DETAILS
The article accurately reports the retirement of the hurricane names Beryl, Helene, and Milton by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) due to the significant impact these storms had in 2024. It correctly states that the names will be replaced by Brianna, Holly, and Miguel, aligning with established WMO practices for name retirement and replacement. The details about Hurricane Beryl being the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic basin and its impact on the Caribbean are consistent with available data. The article's claims about the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including their landfall locations, intensities, and the damages they caused, are also supported by the sources. However, the specific figures related to fatalities and financial damages could benefit from additional verification through official reports or databases, such as those from the National Hurricane Center or NOAA.
The article provides a balanced overview of the impacts and procedural aspects of hurricane name retirement. It includes perspectives on the decision-making process of the WMO and the significance of hurricane impacts on different regions. However, it primarily focuses on the factual recounting of events and decisions without delving into broader discussions or dissenting opinions about the naming process or its implications. This focus could limit the understanding of potential controversies or differing viewpoints regarding the effectiveness or sensitivity of the naming conventions.
The article is well-structured and uses clear, straightforward language to convey information about the hurricanes and the WMO's decisions. It logically progresses through the events of 2024, explaining the impacts of each hurricane and the resulting name retirements. However, the inclusion of some technical terms, such as 'Category 5 hurricane,' without definitions could hinder understanding for readers unfamiliar with meteorological terminology.
The article references the World Meteorological Organization, a reputable source for information on hurricane naming and impacts. However, it does not cite specific reports or statements directly from the WMO or other authoritative bodies like NOAA, which could enhance the credibility of the information presented. The lack of direct attribution to these organizations means readers must rely on the article's interpretation of events, which could impact perceived reliability.
The article does not explicitly disclose its sources or the methodology used to gather information, which affects transparency. While it provides a clear narrative of events, the lack of direct citations or links to official statements or data limits the reader's ability to verify the claims independently. Greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would improve the article's credibility and allow readers to understand the basis for the reported information.
Sources
- https://wmo.int/content/tropical-cyclone-naming/caribbean-sea-gulf-of-mexico-and-north-atlantic-names
- https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/04/02/why-youll-never-hear-these-hurricane-names-again-beryl-helene-milton-and-john/
- https://www.wftv.com/news/local/world-meteorological-organization-retires-three-hurricane-names/7YXCAUTEQRCGXHTXFJOY224TUA/
- https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/2024-retired-hurricane-names
- https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml
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