Hurricane Harvey may have local impacts
Hurricane Harvey is likely to rank as one of the nation’s costliest storms ever with flood damage reaching into the tens of billions of dollars.
“Going through a couple myself, no one can understand the anguish they are going through,” said Harve Rosenthal, a resident of Thousand Palms. “At this point, they have nothing but what is on their back.”
While most people have their attention turned toward rescue efforts, we are taking a look at its potential effects here in the Coachella Valley.
“It’s devastating. It’s terrible,” said Coachella Valley resident Rhona Linsell. “I’m sure it’s going to affect us.”
Oil prices could go up, as Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas coast it shut down some of the biggest oil and gas refineries in the country.
“A lot is still yet to be known in terms of refinery damage and if refiners are down for an extended period of time we could see those higher gas prices upwards of 20 to 30 cents,” said Tamara Johnson with AAA.
The Houston area accounts for more than a quarter of the nation’s gasoline production. Nearly 20 percent of the country’s daily gasoline refining capacity is now offline that’s over 2.5 million barrels a day.
When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans 12 years ago gas, prices spiked nationally by 46 cents and any increase in energy costs from Harvey could extend beyond pain at the pump.
“People will see higher prices trickle through not just higher gas prices but also perhaps higher prices for fruits and vegetables as costs more to get them to market and a higher price for the airline ticket to go visit your mother at Christmas time,” said economist Peter Morici.
Flights could be delayed. Houston’s two main airports will likely stay closed to commercial traffic until tomorrow. That could have a ripple effect on flights across the country.
A few humanitarian flights carrying first responders and supplies have made it in. Since Friday about 7-thousand flights have been canceled nationwide according to FlightAware, most due to Harvey. This could delay flights around the country.
Mail services could also be delayed, the USPS says that postal operations have been significantly impacted in the region.
“Harvey’s impact on the gulf coast has resulted in the temporary closure of postal facilities,” Eva Jackson told KESQ News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner over the phone.
In-going and outgoing mail throughout south-east Texas and southern Louisiana is being rerouted, which could cause delays for several days. FedEx has also issued warnings.
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