NASA views Ike

NASA 3D view of Hurricane Ike



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ISS images of Ike friday

click for large hi-res animation

wunderground reports convection has closed around the eye region and an intensification cycle is starting, race against time whether landfall disrupts it before the inner winds go up a catergory, or two.

main issue is still width of the hurricane force wind field, and the size of the storm surge.

the oildrum has updated analysis of possible oil production and refinery impact - shutdown of much of gulf of mexico production for few weeks, mostly precautionary. possible damage to 20-30% of US refinery capacity, depending on exact track and intensity.

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