Fearsome Melissa Retired as Hurricane Name; Say Hello to Molly The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially retired the name Melissa from its list of designated hurricane names, citing the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Gulf Coast in 2015. The decision marks a rare occasion where a name is removed from rotation due to the severity of damage caused by a storm. Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 4 storm, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall that resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. According to reports, over 10,000 homes were severely damaged or destroyed, leaving thousands without power or shelter. The economic toll was estimated at over $10 billion. The WMO's decision to retire the name Melissa is a symbolic gesture acknowledging the trauma inflicted by the storm on affected communities. In its place, the organization has introduced a new name, Molly, which will be used for future tropical cyclones that meet specific criteria. The retirement of Melissa joins an elite group of names, including Katrina and Harvey, which were also removed from rotation due to the catastrophic damage caused by storms bearing those names. The WMO's naming conventions aim to create a system that is both practical and respectful, avoiding any potential stigma or emotional distress associated with certain names. In a statement, the WMO emphasized the importance of using memorable and easy-to-pronounce names for tropical cyclones, which helps in public awareness and preparedness efforts. The organization has implemented a rigorous process to identify suitable names that are culturally sensitive and avoid causing offense. As hurricane season approaches, meteorologists are bracing themselves for another active year, with predictions suggesting an i...#Melissa #Gulf_Coast #World_Meteorological_Organization #Molly #Katrina #Harvey
Severe Weather, Including Tornado Threat, Increases In Plains From Texas To Midwest Wednesday Into The Weekend A powerful storm system is expected to bring severe weather and a threat of tornadoes to the Southern Plains from Wednesday through the weekend. The system will develop over the Gulf Coast before moving northward, bringing with it strong winds, large hail, and potentially damaging tornadoes. According to forecast models, the greatest risk for severe weather lies in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa. These areas can expect a combination of thunderstorms and supercells capable of producing long-lived tornadoes. The storm system is expected to intensify as it moves northward, leading to an increased threat of severe weather across the Midwest by Thursday night into Friday morning. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Moderate Risk for severe weather on Friday, with the highest risk areas including parts of Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. In addition to the tornado threat, the storm system will also bring heavy rain and flash flooding to some areas. This is particularly concerning in drought-stricken regions where dry soils are unable to absorb large amounts of water quickly. Residents in the affected areas should prepare for severe weather by staying informed through local news and weather reports, as well as signing up for emergency alerts from their local government. It's also a good idea to have a plan in place in case of an emergency, including having a safe place to go and knowing how to stay connected with family members. As the storm system continues to develop and move across the country, residents can expect updates and warnings from weather officials and emergency ...#Texas #Kansas #Oklahoma #Kansas #Oklahoma #Missouri #Nebraska #Iowa #Gulf_Coast #Midwest
