Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, prompting oil drillers to evacuate crews and halt some offshore crude production, while the U.S. Coast Guard warns shippers of approaching gale-force winds, Bloomberg reports.
Chevron, ExxonMobil and Shell are among the companies taking measures such as evacuating workers from vulnerable installations, suspending drilling activities, and shutting in some wells.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard declared Port Condition Whiskey at Houston, Galveston and other key Texas harbors, a warning that rough weather is expected within 72 hours. Under such a declaration, oceangoing vessels are required to depart within 12 hours of gale-force winds.
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