Hurricane Names – Dale’s Daily Data
It’s only been since 1950 that hurricanes have been given names. Instead of referring to them as the first, second or third hurricane of the season they’re given names alphabetically. The first of what could turn into a hurricane is given a name starting with the letter “A”. The second one is given a name with the letter “B” and so on.
The list of names is set by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. There’s a list of names for six hurricane seasons and on the seventh year the list is repeated.
The only exception is when a hurricane is so destructive or deadly, its name is retired and replaced with another name. That will be the case next time this year’s list of names comes up. Irene will be replaced by another name beginning with the letter “I”.
Since 1954 there have been 15 hurricane seasons where no hurricanes were severe enough to have their names retired. Back in 2005 five hurricane names were retired – Dennis, Katrina, Rita, Stan and Wilma.
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