User blog comment:Bobnekaro/Earl may be a serious contender for retirement/@comment-27446087-20160808143805

This is quite a high death toll. I do think it has a shot due it to being the deadliest Atlantic storm in years, but, damages are not as high as of now, which also plays a role in retirement.

But, there were several storms deadlier than Earl which were snubbed of retirement. For example, Hanna 2008 caused 537 deaths, making it the deadliest storm of the 2008 season, yet it was not retired. Also, Alex 2010 caused 51 deaths and $1.8 billion (2010 USD), and was also not retired. That same year, Matthew caused $2.6 billion in damage and 126 deaths, making it the costliest and deadliest storm of the 2010 season. Yet, it will be used again this year. And finally, like Money mentioned, Gordon 1994 caused extensive damage and was used again.