Tropical Storm Debby to Become Hurricane Debby? Warnings Issued, Oil Prices to Rise in 2012?
A tropical storm in the Louisiana area is threatening flood and harsh winds as it makes its way towards Texas.
A hurricane watch has not yet been announced despite the harsh winds being brought in to the Louisiana area by tropical storm Debby. Trekking near the Mississippi River, Debby headed north at the rate of 2 miles per hour with winds upwards of 60 mph.
The tropical storm will be announced as a hurricane if winds continue to increase and surpass 74 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center has predicted at current that the storm is likely to worsen within the next few days, and affect the southwest corner of Mississippi, much of Louisiana, and a good portion of east and south east Texas.
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"If you are under this warning, take your precautions now," meteorologist Bonnie Schneider told CNN. "Tie down or bring inside any furniture, toys or decorations you keep outside. They may blow about in strong winds and cause damage or injuries."
"If you are in a low-lying area at risk for flooding, know the best route to higher ground where you live," Schneider added. "The combination of a storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters."
The storm could linger over the northern gulf for the next few days, causing continued rain and windy conditions in surrounding areas. A tropical storm in the area has not occurred since 1951, catching many off guard.
"Debby forced the suspension of 8 percent of the region's oil and gas production," CBS reported. "The government reported that nine production platforms and one drilling rig were evacuated. The suspended crude production amounts to about 2 percent of U.S production and about 0.1 percent of global production. The reduced production is not expected to impact oil prices unless the storm strengthens and forces more production platforms to close."
