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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:18,609 Points:1,608,545 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 1, 2012 7:27:59 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse My heart goes out to all in Isaac's path.
1COR1533 Champion Author San Jose Posts:1,686 Points:314,310 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2012 10:27:20 PM Ignore 1COR1533 Report Abuse ok
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,609 Points:1,608,545 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2012 5:07:40 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:1,686 Points:314,310 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 8:31:35 PM Ignore 1COR1533 Report Abuse nice
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,609 Points:1,608,545 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 5:06:02 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 3:27:08 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 8:30:09 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:14,734 Points:2,092,855 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 8:56:46 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 7:52:32 PM Ignore retired23 Report Abuse It's just human nature to panic........
garywa01 Sophomore Author Alberta Posts:130 Points:379,165 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 4:54:56 PM Ignore garywa01 Report Abuse The worst we get in Alberta is the odd tornado.
dynamouse Champion Author Michigan Posts:4,503 Points:1,749,850 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 2:02:53 PM Ignore dynamouse Report Abuse ok
boldrph Champion Author Topeka Posts:18,371 Points:3,449,915 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:47:34 PM Ignore boldrph Report Abuse ?
DougtheEconMan Champion Author Akron Posts:1,903 Points:268,690 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:44:53 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:3,764 Points:558,690 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:36:58 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:2,950 Points:831,730 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:32:06 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 1:29:13 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:11,823 Points:2,768,100 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:29:07 PM Ignore fire@53 Report Abuse Learning from the past is the best teacher.
robaloma Champion Author Houston Posts:2,591 Points:690,425 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:26:38 PM Ignore robaloma Report Abuse ok
manbig13 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:1,431 Points:556,725 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:23:50 PM Ignore manbig13 Report Abuse yeah, tell this to L
RabunDog Champion Author Georgia Posts:2,995 Points:1,224,285 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:19:09 PM Ignore RabunDog Report Abuse ok
jpgilmor Champion Author Houston Posts:2,160 Points:602,975 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:19:04 PM Ignore jpgilmor Report Abuse Prepare and take shelter when necessary.
TRAIN RIDER Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:9,072 Points:2,755,870 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:18:20 PM Ignore TRAIN RIDER Report Abuse How many days are they going to post this?
nauzad Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:1,014 Points:284,705 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:17:04 PM Ignore nauzad Report Abuse True. Stay calm.
SpankyMI Champion Author Kalamazoo Posts:2,703 Points:758,305 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:14:35 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 1:13:22 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:6,523 Points:1,791,210 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:13:14 PM Ignore 1Casey Report Abuse Br prepared.
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:32,980 Points:2,344,535 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:12:59 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:3,327 Points:667,745 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:11:58 PM Ignore Red7002011 Report Abuse Really!
smoketown Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:6,226 Points:1,380,900 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:11:34 PM Ignore smoketown Report Abuse As always........
capt455 Champion Author North Carolina Posts:1,423 Points:815,585 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:10:41 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:2,732 Points:886,015 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:09:35 PM Ignore slowpoke63 Report Abuse ok
driveonby1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:1,507 Points:256,665 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:09:13 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:2,331 Points:775,955 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:07:33 PM Ignore RADIOCANADA499 Report Abuse ok
Gasazhunter Champion Author Phoenix Posts:4,205 Points:1,026,745 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:07:19 PM Ignore Gasazhunter Report Abuse Ya.
misuds Veteran Author New Haven Posts:417 Points:509,185 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:06:53 PM Ignore misuds Report Abuse Remember if you mess with mother nature you will lose.Stupid does hurt !
oldiesman Champion Author New York Posts:6,422 Points:2,192,985 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:06:46 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 1:06:03 PM Ignore marsbars Report Abuse Got it.
LuckyD43 Champion Author Long Island Posts:31,985 Points:2,166,120 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:05:10 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:3,080 Points:621,830 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:05:01 PM Ignore boatmen Report Abuse 3 days nice PD
cbuck80 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:1,597 Points:401,030 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:04:06 PM Ignore cbuck80 Report Abuse yes evacuate when they tell you too
Bud122CA Champion Author California Posts:7,466 Points:1,605,100 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:02:01 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:2,394 Points:710,730 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 1:01:10 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 12:58:23 PM Ignore Goofoff Report Abuse Okay
NashGas Champion Author Nashville Posts:3,089 Points:663,180 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:55:00 PM 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:2,223 Points:174,355 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:54:44 PM Ignore Go_E85 Report Abuse ...
NGEFE Veteran Author Provo Posts:339 Points:466,225 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:51:53 PM 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:531,645 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:49:22 PM Ignore adadaly Report Abuse Mother nature's timing isn't a priority to her
Blondie22OH Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,541 Points:338,190 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:45:00 PM Ignore Blondie22OH Report Abuse They its coming, they should be ready for it.
JLSindy Champion Author Cleveland Posts:3,486 Points:672,290 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 27, 2012 12:44:29 PM 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 12:44:27 PM Ignore Crumbfel Report Abuse Greed