Isaias intensifies into first Atlantic hurricane of 2026
USO•Hurricane Isaias became the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, prompting energy production shut-ins and evacuations at US Gulf facilities. Producers had shut in about 25.08% of current oil production and 16.37% of natural gas production as of Wednesday.
1. Hurricane strengthens
Isaias was about 445 miles (715 km) south-southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph), the US National Hurricane Center said Thursday. The center said further strengthening was expected and that Isaias should remain a strong hurricane as it approaches the northern Gulf coast on Friday night.
2. Gulf production shut in
The hurricane is expected to pass through areas with significant offshore oil and gas production and onshore refining facilities, which could pressure inventories and already-high prices at the pump. Shell and Chevron said they were curtailing offshore operations at their Gulf platforms. Gulf of Mexico producers had shut in about 25.08% of current oil production and 16.37% of current natural gas production as of Wednesday.
3. Atlantic season context
A strong El Niño weather pattern has limited hurricane formation in the Atlantic this year by creating unfavorable wind conditions that disrupt strengthening storms.
