Isaias now a major hurricane. 63% of US Gulf oil output shut down

By CNN

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Isaias has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 mph, according to a special update from the National Hurricane Center. That makes it a major hurricane, a designation reserved for storms rated Category 3 or higher. Current forecasts call for the storm to hit east of New Orleans, a major refining hub, which should spare vital energy infrastructure from the storm’s worst. Still, major oil producers including Shell, Chevron and BP have evacuated non-essential personnel from oil platforms in the Gulf and curtailed production. CNN meteorologist Allison Chinchar has the details and CNN’s Audie Cornish speaks with Bloomberg News oil products reporter Will Kubzansky about the impact on US oil production. Also, CNN’s Rafael Romo reports on conditions in Pensacola, Florida, and Fairhope, Alabama, Mayor Sherry Sullivan says she is most concerned about potential storm surge. 0:00 CNN meteorologist says the storm may continue to strengthen as it approaches the

Tags: latest news, Happening Now, CNN, Hurricane Isaias, Isaias, Major Hurricane, Gulf of Mexico, US Oil Production, Shell, BP, Chevron, Gulf Oil, Storm Surge, Severe Weather, Alabama, Florida, Pensacola, Mobile, Florida Panhandle, Wolf Blitzer