2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Names
Is Your Name on the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season List?
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is responsible for naming hurricanes in the Atlantic and other regions. They started this process in the 1950s.
Prior to that, hurricanes were named according to the places they hit, the year they occurred, or a particular saint. Over time, this process became confusing, especially when multiple hurricanes struck a particular area.
This is when the WMO stepped in, creating a system where names are selected years in advance and entered into a rotating list that repeats every six years.
Each year, the names are revealed in alphabetical order from A to W, minus the letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z because of the limited number of names that start with those letters.
List of 2024 Hurricane Names
When does hurricane season start? Well, we’re already two weeks into the season. Let’s take a closer look at the selected names for 2024 (and their meanings):
Alberto: noble; bright
Beryl: semi precious gemstone
Chris: follower of Christ
Debby: bee
Ernesto: earnest; sincere
Francine: free one
Gordon: great hill; spacious fort
Helena: shining light
Isaac: he who laughs
Joyce: Lord; joyous
Kirk: church
Leslie: garden of holly
Milton: mill town; settlement with a mill
Nadine: hope
Oscar: God spear; champion warrior
Patty: noble; patrician
Rafael: God has healed
Sara: princess
Tony: priceless one
Valerie: healthy; strong
William: resolute protector; will; desire
Names are chosen if they’re short, distinctive, easy to pronounce, and represent an array of cultures. The goal is to use names that are clear and easy to pronounce during emergencies.
Some of the names of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season were Arlene, Done, Lee, Rina, Sean, and Vince.
The next time we’ll see the 2024 list is 2030. When a hurricane is particularly devastating, like Katrina or Sandy, its name is retired. When is hurricane season in Florida? It begins in June and can extend all the way through to the end of November.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
2024 hurricane season predictions are calling for an active few months. This is due to a variety of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, reduced trade winds, and lower wind shear.
Still, an ounce of protection can provide a pound of protection. Here are some of the simplest ways to start preparing for the worst:
Stay tuned to local weather updates.
Create an evacuation plan that can be implemented quickly.
Stock emergency supplies, including nonperishable goods and water.
Protect your property from the damage of high winds.
Collect important documents that you don’t want to get lost or destroyed.
Here’s more on the anatomy of a hurricane to help you understand when it’s time to start preparing your evacuation plan.
What to Do After the Storm
After a hurricane, here are some tips to help you get back to normal:
Return to your home only after emergency services say it is safe to do so.
Never walk or drive through heavily flooded areas.
Avoid downed power lines.
Wear gloves when removing heavy debris.
Refrain from drinking tap water until emergency services say it is safe to do so.
How long is hurricane season? Remember, it can last as long as five months. So, it’s important to keep your supplies fully stocked and emergency evacuation plans in place even as you enter into the holiday season.
Stay Tuned As Hurricane Season Progresses
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has already begun, especially in Florida with flash flooding emergencies.
Get ahead of each of these emergencies with proper preparation, a solid evacuation plan, and a hurricane preparedness pack.
For all your local weather news, throughout this season and beyond, keep coming back to visit us for more. We’ll do everything we can to keep you informed and help you protect your house and home.