A new computer model has residents of the east coast of Florida worried about the effects from the BP Gulf oil gusher, according to an article by the Associated Press. The model from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was released Friday. It shows crude oil hitting the shores of the Panhandle has as high as an 80 percent chance of hitting Miami and the Florida Keys. By August 18th, that model shows the oil could hug the eastern coast of Florida, coming within 20 miles, and traveling as far north as Fort Lauderdale. The chance of that happening is 61 to 80 percent.
What could be seen on shore? Tar balls, oil remnants, and oil sheen, says the forecast. Other areas of Florida are paying attention to the computer model too. It says the western coast of our state has about a 20 percent chance or lower of being hit with the oil. Other parts of southwest Florida, such as Fort Myers, have a less than one percent chance.
The NOAA trajectories also show that the oil plume is currently 42 miles off the shore of Panama City, and 251 miles from St. Petersburg, Florida. A westward current will continue for the next few days.
Florida tourism officials and the governor want to stress that all Florida beaches remain open! Even Pensacola Beach is open except to swimming and wading.
All of this shows how unpredictable the currents around our state can be. Satellite pictures are available to see the oil patterns here.
The 50 to 70 percent chance of rain Monday, June 5, along with three to five foot seas are expected to hamper some of the recovery efforts on and offshore.
The Florida oil spill economic loss lawyers at Farah and Farah continue to offer help to those businesses and individuals who are devastated by this horrific act on the part of BP. If you have suffered damage, personally and professionally, call our offices for a free consultation to explore your options.
