Melissa Retired: No More Hurricanes Will Bear the Name

Bahar O.

Hurricane Melissa, a historic Category 5 storm in the 2025 Atlantic season, was so destructive that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has retired the name—making it the 100th Atlantic hurricane name retired.

Melissa tore through the Caribbean with 190 mph winds, massive storm surges, and record rainfall. Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba suffered severe damage, with tens of thousands displaced and billions in losses.

The WMO retires names of storms that are especially deadly or costly to avoid confusion and honor those affected. “Melissa” will be replaced by Molly in the 2031 season.

Retired Names :
When a hurricane is exceptionally deadly or costly, its name is permanently retired to avoid insensitivity and confusion. New names are rotated in to replace them on the six-year Atlantic list. For example:

Melissa → Molly (2031)

Katrina → Katia (next cycle)

Irma → Idalia (next cycle)