Due to the widespread damage and destruction caused by the storm, the Equestrian Meteorological Union (EMU) voted today to retire the name 'Fluttershy' from the list of actively used hurricane names.

Figure 1. Hurricane Fluttershy at peak strength.

While this storm was best known for its ferocity, it actually had a difficult time getting started. While youthful, conditions just weren't all that favorable for the development of a tropical cyclone.

Figure 2. Invest 91Y struggling over the Marecific Ocean.

High pressure zones had been bullying the fledgling storm, and it appeared as though they might snuff it out for good, but the disturbance survived its hostile youth and moved into a more favorable environment. From there, it developed into a healthy tropical cyclone and was given the name Fluttershy.

Figure 3. Newly declared Tropical Cyclone Fluttershy.

Still struggling with wind shear (a change in wind speed direction with height), this storm wasn't considered to be a major threat, but with all tropical cyclones, there's always a chance for rapid intensification should conditions improve. Forecast models at the time were bearish on developing the cyclone beyond tropical storm strength, but wind shear lightened, and the storm put on an amazing burst of strength.

Figure 4. Fluttershy rapidly intensifies.

With little time to prepare for a full-blown hurricane, many ponies were caught off-guard when the storm made its first landfall in Canterlot.

Figures 5 and 6. Fluttershy makes landfall, wrecking the Gala ballroom.

As if that wasn't bad enough, the storm later regrouped over sea, and strengthened even further into a major hurricane.

Figure 7. The eye of the storm.

Fluttershy made a second landfall in Ponyville, bringing widespread destruction in its wake.

Figure 8. Damage caused by hurricane Fluttershy.

On top of that, the storm was also a prodigious rainmaker.

Figure 9. Fluttershy dumping buckets of water on ponies.

Due to this storm's major impacts, reusing the name Fluttershy would be inconsiderate. Thus, EMU has permanently retired it from actively used hurricane names. Replacing it in the list is the name Feather Tickle.

Happy April Fool's everyone.