Tropical Storm Isaias forces Shell, Chevron to cut Gulf of Mexico output and evacuate crews

Tropical Storm Isaias, nearing hurricane strength, has pushed Shell and Chevron to halt Gulf of Mexico production and pull crews from offshore platforms.

• Shell paused output and evacuated all workers from five deepwater Gulf of Mexico platforms, with non-essential staff also removed from Stones.
• Chevron shut four Gulf facilities and moved their crews ashore, keeping five other sites under monitoring.
• The Marine Minerals Administration reported 512,000 barrels per day, about 25% of Gulf oil production, shut in along with 16% of natural gas output.
• Forecasters project the storm, the Atlantic season's first hurricane, to hit just east of New Orleans with winds up to 110 mph.
• Forecasters said Isaias would make landfall late Friday or early Saturday, bringing up to 10 inches of rain across Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.
• Officials noted the storm's declaration marked the latest date for an Atlantic season's first hurricane in 121 years.
• The National Weather Service warned of life-threatening storm surge and possible tornadoes across the Gulf Coast.
• Governors in Alabama and Florida each declared states of emergency ahead of Isaias's expected landfall.
• Officials ordered local evacuations in some coastal Florida areas and announced closures of schools.