The NOAA shares the views of Dr Preston. It said the high winds and seas will mix and "weather" the oil, which will accelerate biodegradation. As a hurricane's winds rotate in an anti-clockwise direction, a hurricane passing to the west of the slick could drive the oil towards the coast. This would be BP's worst nightmare. It is vital that the leak is plugged soon – for the sake of the people living on the Gulf coast – and for the sake of our pensions.