Hurricane DEAN The latest forecasts for the path of hurricane Dean tend to take it over the Yukatan Peninsula into the Bay of Campeche. If so, the U.S. offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and refineries in Texas will be spared. However, it could also mean that Mexico's primary oil producing region could take a hit. The world's second largest producing oil field, Canterell, sits in the southeastern section of the bay. Mexico is evacuating thousands of oil workers from offshore rigs in case the hurricane threatens.
Crossing the Yukatan will probably take some steam out of hurricane Dean, although it will likely still be a catagory 1-to-3 hurricane when it reaches the far side. The peninsula is relatively flat, so there are no mountain ranges to disrupt its lower level winds. Hopefully, the Mexican rigs will be strong enough to withstand the storm.
A prolonged break in Mexican oil production could send world oil prices climbing possibly breaking price records. It could also have serious impacts to the Mexican economy setting off increases in illegal immigration into the U.S. The next few days should be interesting.
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