WSET.com - ABC13Oil May Affect Much More By Matt Ferguson

By now we've all learned about the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. But this situation could affect areas a thousand miles away from the spill, if it's not cleaned up quick enough. The latest Terra Satellite image released by NASA shows the oil slick is spreading southeast of the main spill. If you're observant you notice it is moving south and eastward in a river-like fashion. Personally it looks as though some type of current has developed and is carrying it toward Florida.

If the most extensive oil slick continues moving south it will eventually encounter the Gulf Loop. This is the main current that flows out of the Caribbean and into the Gulf of Mexico. It loops back southward around the tip of Florida and up the East Coast, merging with the Gulf Stream. This is not only bad news for Florida, but for some of our favorite nearby beach destinations. This would include Myrtle Beach, the Outer Banks and possibly as far north as Virginia Beach.

If the oil from the spill got caught up in the current and pushed onshore from Florida's east coast northward to Virginia, yes, there will be major issues. Right now it's hard to speculate the exact impacts if that were to happen. Worst case scenario thoughts: fish and wildlife would affected, sickened or killed. Fishing along coastal waters may be put to a halt. Swimming in the ocean at our favorite beaches could become dangerous.

Right now crews are working hard to clean up this oily mess. With that said, hopefully we'll not have to worry about a worst case scenario!