“Isaias” leaves many wondering - what’s in a hurricane’s name

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — The storm name Isaias gave almost everyone a tough time. Action News Jax reporter Beth Rousseau talked to several local families Friday – none knew the correct pronunciation.

Even the experts on the First Alert Weather team relied on quick reminders, like videos and signs, to get the name right.

Action News Jax First Alert Meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh said hurricane names are on a 6-year rotation.

He explained that you’ll likely see Isaias again. “This was a replacement name from 6 years ago, and, so , this is a new addition to the names list,” he said.

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According to Bedenbaugh, names are picked by the World Meteorological Organization, retired from the list when damage is severe, and replaced.

He added, “These are names that are used around the world, in the Caribbean Basin – especially South American into Central America. It’s not just Americanized names.”

Isaias is the Spanish form of the biblical name Isaiah, according to Action News Jax’s Lorena Inclán.

Jacksonville families said they’re more worried about neighbors staying safe in a storm than its name.

The First Alert Weather Team said the next few hurricane names, if the storms form, are Josephine, Kyle, and Laura.

Cox Media Group