Fast Facts: Hurricane Names 2005

The National Hurricane Center (search) determines the names for upcoming hurricanes and tropical storms. Prior to 1979 they were all women's names but since then the names alternate from male to female.

The list is rotated every six years, but if a hurricane proves devastating, its name is retired. For example, there will never be another Hurricane Andrew (search) or Hurricane Hugo (search). The letters never used by the National Hurricane Center are Q, U, X, Y, and Z.

Hurricane Names 2005

Arlene
Bret
Cindy
Dennis
Emily
Franklin
Gert
Harvey
Irene
Jose
Katrina
Lee
Maria
Nate
Ophelia
Philippe
Rita
Stan
Tammy
Vince
Wilma