The 'I' storm: Why tropical systems that start with the letter 'I' tend to be impactful
Out of the 99 retired Atlantic hurricane season names, 14 of those are "I" storms. Tropical systems that have names that start with the letter "I" get a bad rap, but should they be feared?
It's safe to say the Gulf has seen its fair share of impactful "I" storms. As we near the third anniversary of Hurricane Ian, which devastated southwest Florida, it's understandable that there's some anxiety around "I" storms.
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On average, the ninth storm of the season usually falls on Sept. 16. That date falls just after the peak of hurricane season, Sept. 10, and there is usually plenty of fuel for storms to thrive.
Ocean water is very warm this time of year, and temperatures off the coast of Fort Myers Beach average 85.4 degrees during the month of September.
When you think of impactful "I" storms, hurricanes Ian and Ida come to mind.
The full list alphabetically includes:
- Ian (2022)
 - Hurricane Ida (2021)
 - Hurricane Igor (2010)
 - Hurricane Ike (2008)
 - Hurricane Inez (1966)
 - Hurricane Ingrid (2013)
 - Hurricane Ione (1955)
 - Hurricane Iota (2020)
 - Hurricane Irene (2011)
 - Hurricane Iris (2001)
 - Hurricane Irma (2017)
 - Hurricane Isabel (2003)
 - Hurricane Isidore (2002)
 - Hurricane Ivan (2004).
 
Not every "I" storm is a monster. In 2024, Isaac peaked at Category 2 strength and stayed out at sea.
While "I" storms have quite the reputation, nothing is guaranteed, and no storm or season is alike.