Hurricanes Igor and Tomas are no longer a threat.

    The World Meteorological Organization has retired the two names from those used in 2010 because of the damage they caused. Names are retired from time to time to avoid confusion.

    There are six lists of hurricane names used in rotation in the Atlantic and Caribbean region. When the 2010 list comes around again in 2016, Igor and Tomas will be replaced by Ian and Tobias.

    The practice of naming storms (tropical cyclones) began years ago

in order to help in the quick identification of storms in warning messages because names are presumed to be far easier to remember than numbers and technical terms. Many agree that appending names to storms makes it easier for the media to report on tropical cyclones, heightens interest in warnings and increases community preparedness.    Here is the tropical cyclone/hurricane list of names for 2011 according to the World Meteorological Organization: Arlene; Bret; Cindy; Don; Emily; Franklin; Gert; Harvey; Irene; Jose; Katia; Lee; Maria; Nate; Ophelia; Philippe; Rina; Sean; Tammy; Vince; Whitney.