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Heed the lessons of hurricanes past

GasBuddy Blog -- As tropical storm Isaac approaches Florida, its' timing is all too similar to Hurricane's Gustav and Ike, two storms that unexpectedly delivered extensive damage to the entire southeastern U.S. in late August and early September of another election year, 2008.

The two hurricanes pummeled much of the nation's oil refining infrastructure delivering widespread power losses throughout the southeast triggering gasoline price spikes and consumer anger. In Atlanta, for instance, by mid-September of 2008, that city saw the highest fuel prices ever recorded when regular gasoline spiked from $3.45 (pre-hurricanes) to an average of $4.30.

Damage from Ike was estimated at $37.6 billion making it the second most destructive U.S...

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Submitted Aug 25, 2012 By: PD

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honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,632 Points:1,610,495 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 1, 2012 6:27:59 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse My heart goes out to all in Isaac's path.
1COR1533 Champion Author San Jose Posts:1,701 Points:317,235 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2012 9:27:20 PM Ignore 1COR1533 Report Abuse ok
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,632 Points:1,610,495 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2012 4:07:40 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse the main issue w/ the more recent hurricanes / TSs is their sheer size. Ever noticed how they've gotten bigger and bigger? It seems that in the past decade or two, the storms have grown to cover multiple states all at once, which, as Isaac has shown, can cause serious damage by sheer size / water uptake alone.
1COR1533 Champion Author San Jose Posts:1,701 Points:317,235 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 7:31:35 PM Ignore 1COR1533 Report Abuse nice
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,632 Points:1,610,495 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 4:06:02 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse Seems like we're going through an August 2008 repeat... prices have spiked, except, thankfully, diesel isn't at $5 (just yet, but I won't hold my breath).
Gma02 Rookie Author Fort Wayne Posts:31 Points:8,930 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 2:27:08 AM Ignore Gma02 Report Abuse I wish they only raised gas prices 5 cents; here it went up 30 cents.
nogoatz Rookie Author Ohio Posts:31 Points:9,310 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2012 7:30:09 AM Ignore nogoatz Report Abuse I need a full tank of fuel for my big get a way when Big Brother comes to collect my guns!
Martinman Champion Author Mississippi Posts:14,739 Points:2,093,830 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 7:56:46 PM Ignore Martinman Report Abuse The lessons of hurricanes past is, that damage is a function of storm-strength. Literally dozens of Tropical Storms and hurricanes have both transited "the Oil patch" will little damage, with little impact. But time after time, its the 'post-hurricane effects' that have their biggest impact. Take 2005 - that very same year, just 7 weeks prior to Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Cindy came ashore just west of where Katrina eventually would, crossing over New Orleans with litle fanfare: Hurricane Cindy (03-07 Jul 05) And in 2008, Tropical Storm Edouard came ashore near where Hurrricane Gustav would 5 weeks later, also without significant damage. Tropical Storm Edouard (03-07 Jul 05) Given the total number of oil & gas platforms, and coastal concentration of refineries, any Major Hurricane that makes landfall west of Mobile Alabama has the potential to cause damage. And while all hurricanes leave behind some destruction in their wake, its just the really big ones, get our attention with one exception. So what is it that we have repeatedly failed to heed from the past? (I guess you should have read the article..., ESPECIALLY - DougtheEconMan) .
retired23 Sophomore Author Oakland Posts:237 Points:150,405 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 6:52:32 PM Ignore retired23 Report Abuse It's just human nature to panic........
garywa01 Sophomore Author Alberta Posts:130 Points:380,665 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 3:54:56 PM Ignore garywa01 Report Abuse The worst we get in Alberta is the odd tornado.
dynamouse Champion Author Michigan Posts:4,516 Points:1,751,800 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:02:53 PM Ignore dynamouse Report Abuse ok
boldrph Champion Author Topeka Posts:18,382 Points:3,452,615 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:47:34 PM Ignore boldrph Report Abuse ?
DougtheEconMan Champion Author Akron Posts:1,903 Points:268,690 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:44:53 PM Ignore DougtheEconMan Report Abuse KEEP YOUR GAS TANKS (and gas-cans) FULL!... I've been posting this for almost four weeks. The "pundits" have misjudged or totally missed the supply/demand situation of gasoline. We've had no fewer than six refineries that have gone down with emergency repairs in the last month. A pipeline went down in this time. High or HIGHER prices are probable for the next 4-6weeks! In addition to these current production problems, we have a possible storm disruption. Maybe bigger, the Federal Reserve will be announcing that they are ready to do whatever it takes to keep the economy from recession.* This will put immediate pressure on the Dollar which increases oil prices. Be smart! Stay full! *Fed Chairman speaks this Friday in Jackson Hole, Wy, addressing the Fed Reserve Conference. All financial markets worldwide will be watching. Dollar/energy markets may be directly affected
Tomeboy Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:3,774 Points:561,065 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:36:58 PM Ignore Tomeboy Report Abuse The National GasBuddy Oil and Gasoline Forecast Service has issued a HURRICANE WARNING!! Hurricane Isaac is expected to create a "SPECULATOR STORM SURGE" in the coming days... triggering oil and gasoline price spikes. "Speculator Fears" will panic consumers and actually help cause fuel shortages in and around the storm damaged areas. Consumers may feel insecure and create a stampede to the gas stations and convenience stores. Consumer anger is also forecast to follow the "Speculator Storm Surge." GasBuddy Reporter PD in a plea to "Speculators" said; "If you do that (drive up oil and gasoline prices), you're helping to disrupt the conventional shipment schedule of the retailers and their distributors and, in turn, you'll be contributing directly to even greater retail fuel price spikes". "Speculators... Don't become part of the problem" So if you hear that the local gas station just raised prices by 5 cents a gallon, that doesn't mean you have to go into panic mode and go buy gas you don't need. Relax and remember it's the "Speculators" that are helping drive the prices up. Don't lose your head like "Speculators" do. Stay calm and that will help keep any local or regional fuel supply problems to a minimum, instead of turning a little problem into a much bigger one that "Speculators" are known to do. (Note: I don't think Hurricane damage can be considered a little problem as PD put it). Be Prepared... Be Safe... God Bless You... You are in our Prayers...
regout Champion Author Quebec Posts:2,960 Points:833,680 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:32:06 PM Ignore regout Report Abuse Another reason to increase oil.
DougtheEconMan Champion Author Akron Posts:1,903 Points:268,690 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:29:13 PM Ignore DougtheEconMan Report Abuse KEEP YOUR GAS TANKS (and gas-cans) FULL!... I've been posting this for almost four weeks. The "pundits" have misjudged or totally missed the supply/demand situation of gasoline. We've had no fewer than six refineries that have gone down with emergency repairs in the last month. A pipeline went down in this time. High or HIGHER prices are probable for the next 4-6weeks! In addition to these current production problems, we have a possible storm disruption. Maybe bigger, the Federal Reserve will be announcing that they are ready to do whatever it takes to keep the economy from recession.* This will put immediate pressure on the Dollar which increases oil prices. Be smart! Stay full! *Fed Chairman speaks this Friday in Jackson Hole, Wy, addressing the Fed Reserve Conference. All financial markets worldwide will be watching. Dollar/energy markets may be directly affected
fire@53 Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:11,838 Points:2,771,025 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:29:07 PM Ignore fire@53 Report Abuse Learning from the past is the best teacher.
robaloma Champion Author Houston Posts:2,606 Points:692,600 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:26:38 PM Ignore robaloma Report Abuse ok
manbig13 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:1,431 Points:556,725 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:23:50 PM Ignore manbig13 Report Abuse yeah, tell this to L
RabunDog Champion Author Georgia Posts:2,995 Points:1,225,285 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:19:09 PM Ignore RabunDog Report Abuse ok
jpgilmor Champion Author Houston Posts:2,170 Points:604,925 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:19:04 PM Ignore jpgilmor Report Abuse Prepare and take shelter when necessary.
TRAIN RIDER Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:9,087 Points:2,758,795 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:18:20 PM Ignore TRAIN RIDER Report Abuse How many days are they going to post this?
nauzad Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:1,024 Points:286,655 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:17:04 PM Ignore nauzad Report Abuse True. Stay calm.
SpankyMI Champion Author Kalamazoo Posts:2,718 Points:761,230 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:14:35 PM Ignore SpankyMI Report Abuse There will "NOT" be the same kind of media coverage this time, watch and see.
DougtheEconMan Champion Author Akron Posts:1,903 Points:268,690 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:13:22 PM Ignore DougtheEconMan Report Abuse KEEP YOUR GAS TANKS (and gas-cans) FULL!... I've been posting this for almost four weeks. The "pundits" have misjudged or totally missed the supply/demand situation of gasoline. We've had no fewer than six refineries that have gone down with emergency repairs in the last month. A pipeline went down in this time. High or HIGHER prices are probable for the next 4-6weeks! In addition to these current production problems, we have a possible storm disruption. Maybe bigger, the Federal Reserve will be announcing that they are ready to do whatever it takes to keep the economy from recession.* This will put immediate pressure on the Dollar which increases oil prices. Be smart! Stay full! *Fed Chairman speaks this Friday in Jackson Hole, Wy, addressing the Fed Reserve Conference. All financial markets worldwide will be watching. Dollar/energy markets may be directly affected
1Casey Champion Author Albany Posts:6,538 Points:1,793,685 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:13:14 PM Ignore 1Casey Report Abuse Br prepared.
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:33,054 Points:2,347,460 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:12:59 PM Ignore tomok Report Abuse Maybe, Maybe Not! You never know exactly where these hurricanes will go And what damage they will cause until it's been there and done that. If you've been in the 'hurricane zone' for any length of time, you know what to do. Extra supplies, fuel stocked up and ready to go if necessary. The Ghost of Hurricanes Past? It's Not good to Mess with Mother Nature! Whatever the size or shape of the vehicle, Produce and ‘Drive’ vehicles with high MPG, are very reliable, have a ‘reasonable’ cost and a good ‘value’ for the money. The price of fuel at the pump is too high! 12/22/2012!
Red7002011 Champion Author Mississippi Posts:3,337 Points:669,695 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:11:58 PM Ignore Red7002011 Report Abuse Really!
smoketown Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:6,241 Points:1,383,825 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:11:34 PM Ignore smoketown Report Abuse As always........
capt455 Champion Author North Carolina Posts:1,423 Points:816,460 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:10:41 PM Ignore capt455 Report Abuse After Ike, we had nearly zero gasoline for a week here in Western NC. Huge lines when a station did get a rare delivery. We have one vehicle that runs on biodiesel, so no worries for us.
slowpoke63 Champion Author Louisiana Posts:2,742 Points:888,115 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:09:35 PM Ignore slowpoke63 Report Abuse ok
driveonby1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:1,507 Points:256,665 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:09:13 PM Ignore driveonby1 Report Abuse Time to stick our heads in the sand, before we're forced to do so. Right, Obama?
RADIOCANADA499 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,346 Points:778,880 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:07:33 PM Ignore RADIOCANADA499 Report Abuse ok
Gasazhunter Champion Author Phoenix Posts:4,215 Points:1,028,695 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:07:19 PM Ignore Gasazhunter Report Abuse Ya.
misuds Veteran Author New Haven Posts:422 Points:510,160 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:06:53 PM Ignore misuds Report Abuse Remember if you mess with mother nature you will lose.Stupid does hurt !
oldiesman Champion Author New York Posts:6,437 Points:2,195,760 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:06:46 PM Ignore oldiesman Report Abuse Always do.
marsbars Champion Author Alaska Posts:2,658 Points:1,179,820 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:06:03 PM Ignore marsbars Report Abuse Got it.
LuckyD43 Champion Author Long Island Posts:32,042 Points:2,170,020 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:05:10 PM Ignore LuckyD43 Report Abuse Enough with the stormaggedon. We got the message already. No need to print the article more than once.
boatmen Champion Author New York Posts:3,085 Points:623,555 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:05:01 PM Ignore boatmen Report Abuse 3 days nice PD
cbuck80 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:1,597 Points:402,755 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:04:06 PM Ignore cbuck80 Report Abuse yes evacuate when they tell you too
Bud122CA Champion Author California Posts:7,476 Points:1,607,050 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:02:01 PM Ignore Bud122CA Report Abuse All kinds of "things" happen both on land and at sea. We must prepair and work it out
LostAgain2009 Champion Author New Mexico Posts:2,398 Points:711,685 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:01:10 PM Ignore LostAgain2009 Report Abuse Maybe it will at least kick some moisture up to the Midwest
Goofoff Champion Author Virginia Posts:11,882 Points:2,177,200 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 11:58:23 AM Ignore Goofoff Report Abuse Okay
NashGas Champion Author Nashville Posts:3,089 Points:664,680 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 11:55:00 AM Ignore NashGas Report Abuse End tax breaks for all companies and let Capitalism play out on an even field.
Go_E85 Champion Author Orange County Posts:2,234 Points:174,805 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 11:54:44 AM Ignore Go_E85 Report Abuse ...
NGEFE Veteran Author Provo Posts:339 Points:468,475 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 11:51:53 AM Ignore NGEFE Report Abuse I think the oil rigs don't want to lose any more than they have to!
adadaly Sophomore Author Utah Posts:122 Points:532,920 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 11:49:22 AM Ignore adadaly Report Abuse Mother nature's timing isn't a priority to her
Blondie22OH Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,551 Points:340,140 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 11:45:00 AM Ignore Blondie22OH Report Abuse They its coming, they should be ready for it.
JLSindy Champion Author Cleveland Posts:3,496 Points:674,240 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 11:44:29 AM Ignore JLSindy Report Abuse I agree with most of what everyone says.
Crumbfel Champion Author Virginia Posts:11,554 Points:2,160,585 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 11:44:27 AM Ignore Crumbfel Report Abuse Greed