Gustav is first big threat to U.S. Gulf of Mexico energy and port infrastructure since Katrina and Rita in 2005.
The Gulf is the source of 25 percent of domestic oil and 15 percent of the natural gas. More than a third of U.S. refining capacity is on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Near expected landfall is New Orleans, a big port handling raw material and foodstuff. The Port of South Louisiana is the largest U.S. port in tonnes handled.
On the western edge of the possible target zone is Houston, a major port, oil refining and crude oil and natural gas hub.
Katrina and Rita were Category 5 storms, the top of the hurricane intensity scale. Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005. Rita hit near the Texas-Louisiana line that September.
Gustav was expected to come ashore as early as Monday on the Gulf Coast as at least a Category 3, though it was weaker Sunday than when it crossed Cuba Saturday.
The Gulf is the source of 25 percent of domestic oil and 15 percent of the natural gas. More than a third of U.S. refining capacity is on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Near expected landfall is New Orleans, a big port handling raw material and foodstuff. The Port of South Louisiana is the largest U.S. port in tonnes handled.
On the western edge of the possible target zone is Houston, a major port, oil refining and crude oil and natural gas hub.
Katrina and Rita were Category 5 storms, the top of the hurricane intensity scale. Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005. Rita hit near the Texas-Louisiana line that September.
Gustav was expected to come ashore as early as Monday on the Gulf Coast as at least a Category 3, though it was weaker Sunday than when it crossed Cuba Saturday.
