Hurricane Iris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hurricane Iris

Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Iris near peak intensity shortly before landfall in Belize on October 8
Formed	October 4, 2001
Dissipated	October 9, 2001
Highest winds	1-minute sustained: 145 mph (230 km/h)
Lowest pressure	948 mbar (hPa); 27.99 inHg
Fatalities	36 direct
Damage	$250 million (2001 USD)
Areas affected	Windward Islands, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, eastern Mexico
Part of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Iris was a very strong storm during the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season. It was the third "major hurricane" of that year. A major hurricane means it was a Category 3, 4, or 5 storm, which are the most powerful. Iris was also the second storm in 2001 to hit the country of Belize.

When Hurricane Iris reached Belize, it was a Category 4 hurricane. This means it had very strong winds, but the damage it caused was not as bad as expected. This was probably because Iris quickly lost its strength after moving over land. People thought Iris might cross Central America and stay a strong storm. But it weakened very fast and disappeared. However, parts of the storm later reformed in the Pacific Ocean. It was then given a new name, Manuel. Hurricane Iris caused about $150 million in damage and led to the deaths of 49 people.

Why Hurricane Iris's Name Was Retired

When a hurricane causes a lot of damage or deaths, its name is "retired." This means the name will not be used again for another hurricane. This helps people remember the storm and avoids confusion.

The Name Iris Was Retired

The name Iris was retired because of the damage and deaths it caused. This is a common practice for very impactful storms. Instead of Iris, the name Ingrid was used in 2007 for a future storm.

Images for kids

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  The eye of Iris just north of Honduras, late on October 8, 2001.

See also

In Spanish: Huracán Iris para niños