Hurricane Isaias is heading for the US Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm. Landfall is expected late Friday or early Saturday. About 72 per cent of Gulf of Mexico oil output has been shut as a precaution.

Two big refineries lie in the storm’s path. Chevron’s Pascagoula plant, which processes 356,000 barrels a day, is at risk. Vertex Energy’s Mobile facility is also exposed. Florida has declared an emergency in 27 counties.

Oil prices rose on fears of supply disruption. The Gulf region handles a large share of US fuel production. Past hurricanes have caused fuel shortages across the southeast.

Officials urged residents in low-lying areas to follow evacuation orders. Emergency teams are on standby across the coast. Power companies warned of widespread outages.

Officials said damage assessment will begin once the storm passes. Residents were asked to stay indoors until all-clear orders are issued. Relief camps have been set up in vulnerable areas. The storm is also expected to bring heavy rain to neighbouring states. Forecasters said flooding is a major risk even after landfall. People were advised to keep emergency supplies ready.