Effects of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike on the United States Gulf Coast Energy Infrastructure

PennWell

Each year the U.S. Gulf Coast and its heavy concentration of oil and gas infrastructure are put to the test by a new season of hurricane activity. This activity was particularly evident in the 2005 and 2008 seasons, as three potent storms took a punch at one of the nation’s largest sources of oil and gas production. These storms were selected based on their size, strength, and impact on the platforms and rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Each storm sustained a large wind and wave field and delivered category 2 or higher winds as it passed through a good portion of the offshore energy landscape.

This map looks into the areas and facility types that were affected by the storms. Knowing that the Gulf Coast region will be tested again, these three events can serve as study tools to better prepare the oil and gas industry for the next round of damaging hurricanes.

Courtesy of Barclay Ward.

Map Book Page [PDF]