Tropical storm likely to form in Gulf of Mexico: NHC - Reuters [View All]

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Tropical storm likely to form in Gulf of Mexico: NHC
Wed Aug 15, 2007 9:03AM EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tropical Depression 5 in the Gulf of Mexico
will likely strengthen into a tropical storm before hitting the oil and
gas-producing south Texas coast, the U.S. National Hurricane
Center said Wednesday.

In the Atlantic Ocean, meanwhile, forecasters expected Tropical
Storm Dean to strengthen into a hurricane and threaten the Lesser
Antilles on Friday before intensifying into a Category 3 storm over
the next five days as it builds strength in the Caribbean Sea.

The energy market was watching both storms because either could
disrupt U.S. oil and natural gas production and refining in the Gulf
of Mexico. Commodities traders also track tropical storms because
they can damage crops in Florida and along the Gulf Coast.

Although Tropical Depression 5 remained disorganized for now over
the central Gulf, it will likely strengthen into a tropical storm near
the coast of southern Texas later today with wind speeds of 39 to
73 miles per hour, the NHC said in an advisory issued at 5 a.m. EDT
(0900 GMT).

If so, the storm will be christened Erin.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSN1522125720070815