Isaias is in the infamous company of an “I” named Storm.
The list of names is listed alphabetically, so “I” goes to the ninth named storm — which typically forms around the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season in mid-September, when conditions are primed to fuel powerful storms. And since 1953, Atlantic storms with the name “I” have reached Category 3 or higher more frequently than any other letter.
Ivan in 2004, Irma in 2017, Ida in 2021 and most recently Ian in 2022 each reached at least Category 4 and subsequently landed in the United States. Ian struck southwest Florida with winds of 150 mph, killing 150 people and causing more than $112 billion in damage, becoming the costliest hurricane in state history.
Particularly deadly or devastating storms have their names removed from the official list. Thirteen names starting with I have been removed, more than any other letter.
Isaias was formed on October 6 weeks later than usual for an “I” storm, thanks to this year’s super El Niño that put a damper on storms in the Atlantic. It is currently forecast to make landfall on the Gulf Coast as a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane.
Gn headline
