Mansfield has gone to Orange Alert in anticipation of Tropical Depression #16 strengthening into Tropical Storm Nate. Currently, the system has sustained winds of 45 mph, but it is expected to grow as it travels towards the Gulf Coast. Current forecasts show possible landfalls anywhere from New Orleans to the west side of Florida. The storm will travel over Nicaragua and near the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico before gaining strength in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm’s track over the next few days will determine its strength when it hits the U.S. If the storm shifts west and travels directly over Mexico (or shifts east over Cuba), the system will weaken and will likely avoid hurricane status. If, however, the storm threads the needle, as it is currently forecast to do, it could continue to strengthen into a low-grade hurricane by the time it hits the U.S.

Landfall in the U.S. is expected to occur Sunday morning as a Category 1 Hurricane, but that could change depending on the path and speed of the storm. More details will become available in the coming days.

Mansfield has moved to Code Orange for Louisiana (New Orleans), Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. The move to Code Orange signifies that operations teams will be preparing for storm conditions in the coming days. After the rapid intensification of other storms this season, Mansfield is taking caution to make sure customers remain supplied.

If you have questions or would like to order fuel ahead of the storm, please contact your Mansfield sales representative or customer relationship manager.