Every year, the National Hurricane Center names tropical storms and hurricanes, based on a list of names created by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). There are 6 naming lists that recycle every 6 years. Names of unusually destructive tropical storms and hurricanes may be retired the following spring. The names that will be used for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season are:

• Arlene (already used) 
• Bret
• Cindy
• Don
• Emily
• Franklin
• Gert
• Harvey
• Irma
• Jose
• Katia
• Lee
• Maria
• Nate
• Ophelia
• Philippe
• Rina
• Sean
• Tammy
• Vince
• Whitney

If all names are exhausted like in the hyperactive 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, then the NHC will use Greek Alphabet to name storms. This has only happened once in history.