The hurricane cut most U.S. offshore Gulf of Mexico oil output and 62% of natural gas, the Department of Interior reported. ... However, Laura struck Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane in late August with 150 mph winds and a storm surge that damaged onshore gas-processing and offshore pipeline operations.

What damage did Hurricane Laura cause?

Hurricane Laura caused an estimated $1.6 billion in damage to Louisiana crops and forests — easily topping $1.5 billion inflicted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The 2005 hurricanes also included fisheries damage, which hasn't been tallied from Laura and will increase its figures, according to the LSU AgCenter.

What happens to oil rigs in a hurricane?

Drilling rigs pull pipe and move out of the projected path of the storm, if possible, or anchor down, and supply vessels, commercial ships, and barges may be moved into a bayou where they have more protection from the storm.