Bad Weather Delays Relief Well

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – Retired Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen says the relief well will be delayed two to three days.

"The low pressure system off the west coast of Florida right now in its intended track has made it advisable that we cease drilling operations until that weather system has passed."

Allen says storm conditions are not expected to be severe enough to remove the drilling well from the site. He says it will disconnect a riser pipe and stay in the vicinity to quickly resume drilling the final 30 feet before intercepting the broken well next week.
For NPR News, I'm Eileen Fleming in New Orleans.