HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- While we bask in the sun locally during the long Labor Day weekend, some Americans will be preparing for a hurricane.

WSAZ Chief Meteorologist Tony Cavalier said Gustav may soon play a role in our lives, too.

The tropical system was the second of a lethal one, two punch on the impoverished island of Hispaniola this week when Hurricane Gustav pummeled Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Just a week ago, Fay had struck with an equally punishing blow. This second shield of torrential rains spawned killer mudslides and violent flash floods. The 10-inch deluge came spiced with high winds, which cut what power there was to tens of thousands.

On his way to Jamaica and Cuba, Gustav took the Caribbean route, passing over truly tropical waters. Folks on Jamaica boarded up as they awaited the tempest's onslaught.

“Once clear of Cuba, Gustav will be primed to make a pass into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend where ahead is the super hot loop current, one of the world's most prolific waters for hurricane incubation,” Cavalier said. “That track should earn Gustav major hurricane status and set him up for a strike at American soil. Before hitting land, Gustav will threaten the oil rich northern Gulf where there are scores of refineries and platforms"

In the northern Gulf, oil rigs pump as much as 10 percent of the crude oil consumed in America and refineries produce as much as 50 percent of the domestic oil we use in the U.S.

Historically, the great Gulf hurricanes have jolted gas prices. Before Katrina, here in the Tri-State area gas prices stood at $2.50 per gallon then surged above $3 dollars as we witnessed the devastation in New Orleans.

Rita, on the other hand, had less effect as prices only spiked 25 cents a gallon. This holiday weekend, we started at $3.75 per gallon. It bears watching to see where things head as Gustav moves into the Gulf this Labor Day weekend.