Hurricane Isaias Raises ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Risk for Gulf Coast

Hurricane Isaias is set to make landfall on the US Gulf Coast, according to the US National Hurricane Center. This development could disrupt oil and gas production in the region. The storm is anticipated to cross Florida, Alabama, or Mississippi on Friday night or early Saturday. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for coastal counties in northeastern Florida, while states of emergency are in effect in parts of Alabama and Georgia.

The NHC warns of a dangerous hurricane, with significant storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall when Isaias makes landfall. Residents are urged to complete emergency preparations to protect lives and property from high winds and storm surges. Isaias has intensified to a Category 2 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph), making it the first hurricane of the Atlantic season that began on June 1.

The season's relative quietness is attributed to a strong El Nino phenomenon, which creates strong vertical wind shear, dry air, and sinking air that hampers storm formation and intensification. US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that federal authorities will coordinate response efforts with state and local governments.

The storm's path includes crucial oil and gas production points in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in the suspension of 63% of oil production, producing 1.3 million barrels of oil per day less than usual. Similarly, 57% of gas production has been suspended. Offshore production in the Gulf accounts for almost 15% of the crude pumped annually in the US.

Meanwhile, the Pacific hurricane season has been more severe due to El Nino's effect, which has caused less vertical wind shear and created ideal conditions for hurricane intensification. Hurricane Simon is currently moving towards Mexico's Pacific coast, with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, and is expected to reach Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is located, on Friday night or early Saturday.

Rapid intensification is expected, and Simon is anticipated to be a very dangerous major hurricane when it approaches the Mexican coast.