Hurricanes and the Oil Spill
"What will happen to a hurricane that runs through this oil slick?
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Most hurricanes span an enormous area of the ocean (200-300 miles) — far wider than the current size of the spill.
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If the slick remains small in comparison to a typical hurricane’s general environment and size, the anticipated impact on the hurricane would be minimal.
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The oil is not expected to appreciably affect either the intensity or the track of a fully developed tropical storm or hurricane.
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The oil slick would have little effect on the storm surge or near-shore wave heights..."