Louisiana Refining Hub Faces Potential Gulf Coast Tropical Threat

A tropical disturbance could threaten Gulf Coast states next weekend, placing Louisiana’s major fuel-supply and export hub within the projected area as the system’s path and strength remain highly uncertain.

The National Hurricane Center raised the disturbance’s chance of developing into a tropical system within seven days to 70% Monday morning, up from 50%.

From Louisiana to Florida, possible hazards next weekend include strong winds, inland flooding, storm surge and tornadoes. The timing, track and intensity remain highly uncertain within the projected range.

Louisiana has about 3 million barrels a day of crude-refining capacity, roughly one-sixth of the U.S. total. The disturbance’s timing and projected path remain uncertain.