Milton, Beryl, and Helene Retired as Atlantic Hurricane Names

Each year, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reviews the Atlantic hurricane name list and retires names of storms that caused widespread devastation. This year, three names—Milton, Beryl, and Helene—have been permanently removed due to their catastrophic impacts in 2024. In their place, Brianna, Holly, and Miguel will be introduced in the rotating name list.

Hurricane Beryl: A Historic and Deadly Storm

Beryl made history as the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. The storm rapidly intensified before slamming into Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada on July 1 as a Category 4 hurricane. The results were devastating—98% of homes were damaged or destroyed on the islands, with powerful winds, torrential rain, and massive waves leading to widespread flooding.

Beryl continued its destructive path through Jamaica, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and the United States, ultimately claiming 34 lives. While the storm's impact was severe, early forecasting and well-coordinated disaster preparedness helped save many lives.

Hurricane Helene: The Deadliest U.S. Hurricane Since Katrina

Helene made landfall on September 26 as a Category 4 storm on Florida’s Gulf Coast, bringing catastrophic flooding to the southern Appalachians and powerful storm surge along the Florida coast. Wind damage extended from the Gulf Coast all the way to the North Carolina mountains.

With a staggering 248 fatalities, Helene became the deadliest hurricane to hit the continental U.S. since Katrina in 2005. The economic toll was also immense, with damages estimated at $78.7 billion, making it the 7th costliest U.S. hurricane on record (adjusted to 2024 values).

Hurricane Milton: A Rapidly Intensifying Threat

Milton’s rapid intensification in the Gulf of Mexico stunned forecasters, reaching Category 5 strength before making landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, on October 9 as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm triggered a historic and deadly tornado outbreak across Florida, leading to 15 fatalities (including 12 in the U.S.) and $34.3 billion in damages.

New Names for Future Seasons

With these names retired, the WMO has selected Brianna, Holly, and Miguel as their replacements in the Atlantic storm naming rotation. These names will first appear in the 2030 hurricane season, ensuring that Milton, Beryl, and Helene are never used again.

The retirement of these names serves as a solemn reminder of the power of hurricanes and the importance of preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure. At CNC Catastrophe & National Claims, we see firsthand the impact of these storms and work tirelessly to help communities rebuild. As a trusted TPA, we support insurers by deploying experienced adjusters, streamlining claims processing, and ensuring policyholders receive the assistance they need to recover. Whether responding to catastrophic flooding, wind damage, or large-scale losses, our mission is to help families and businesses get back on their feet after disaster strikes.

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