Matthew, Otto retired hurricane names by World Meteorological Organization

CHARLOTTE, N.C — Two hurricane names have been retired by the World Meteorological Organization after the 2016 hurricane season.

In September, Hurricane Matthew ravaged the Caribbean region and the southeast coast of the United States. Matthew was the first Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic since 2007, producing wind speeds over 157 mph. The storm claimed the lives of over 500 people in Haiti, and nearly 30 more in the Carolinas. Matthew was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Hurricane Stan in 2005.

[PHOTOS: The aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in SC, NC]

A few months later, Hurricane Otto developed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea. Otto formed on Nov. 21, making it the latest-forming major hurricane in the Atlantic on record. It was also the fourth major hurricane of the 2016 season. Countries impacted by Otto include Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, leading to 18 fatalities in Central America.

The World Meteorological Organization retires names of extremely deadly or destructive storms because using them again would be insensitive. Matthew and Otto are the 81st and 82nd names to be removed from the Atlantic list. Martin and Owen will replace the names when the 2016 list is used again in 2022.

Weather Resources:

• Track the rain with WSOC-TV weather app
• Explore the interactive radar
• LOOKING AHEAD: Spring outlook staying warmer, wetter than average

Cox Media Group