By KLTV Newsdesk –

Beryl, Helene, Milton and John removed from rotation as WMO cites historic destruction and loss of life

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has permanently retired the names Beryl, Helene, Milton, and John from its list of hurricane names following a catastrophic 2024 storm season.

These four hurricanes caused extensive destruction and tragic loss of life across the Caribbean, the southern United States, and parts of Mexico.

According to WMO policy, hurricane names are retired when storms are so deadly or costly that reusing the name would be inappropriate out of respect for survivors and the families of victims.

Beryl: A Record-Breaking Start

Hurricane Beryl marked a grim milestone as the earliest Category-5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic.

On 1 July, it tore through Carriacou and Petite Martinique with wind speeds exceeding 160 mph.

The storm damaged or destroyed 98% of homes on the islands and claimed 34 lives across the region.

Its path of destruction also included Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, and Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula before making a final landfall in the United States.

Helene and Milton: Florida’s Twin Terrors

On 26 September, Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 4 hurricane, unleashing catastrophic flooding throughout the southern Appalachian region and storm surges along the coastline.

With 248 fatalities, Helene became the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina in 2005, and caused an estimated $78.7 billion in damage.

Just two weeks later, Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida.

At its peak, it reached Category 5 strength and triggered a historic tornado outbreak. Milton was responsible for 15 deaths and $34.3 billion in damage.

John: Mexico’s Pacific Coast Ravaged

In the eastern Pacific, Hurricane John hit Guerrero, Mexico, bringing intense rainfall and extreme flooding to the region.

Over 150,000 homes were destroyed, and 29 lives were lost, making John one of the most financially devastating hurricanes to ever strike Mexico’s Pacific coastline.

New Names, Ongoing Threats

The names Beryl, Helene, Milton, and John will be replaced in future hurricane seasons by Brianna, Holly, Miguel, and Jake.

Despite the retirements, experts stress that the danger remains.

The WMO and regional hurricane committees continue to focus on enhancing early warning systems and safeguarding lives, particularly in Small Island Developing States and vulnerable communities in the Caribbean and along the U.S. coast.

“While economic damage often hits large countries hardest, it’s the smaller, resource-limited communities—many with African and Caribbean heritage—that carry the heaviest long-term burden,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.