Loop Current- high octane hurricane fuel

In the Gulf of Mexico, the deepest areas of warm water are associated with the Loop Current and the rings of current that have separated from the Loop Current are commonly called Loop Current eddies. The warm waters of the Loop Current and its associated eddies provide more energy to hurricanes and allow them to intensify.

The turbulent environment of hurricanes pulls up water from beneath the surface, often upwelling cooler water. Stronger hurricanes upwell deeper water. If the water in the lower levels is significantly cooler, the water will limit the hurricane's ability to strengthen, and may even cause it to weaken. But if the water is still warm at lower depths, then water being pulled to the surface remains warm, and the hurricane can increase in intensity if other atmospheric conditions are also conducive to strengthening. Meteorologists look for areas of deep warm water of at least 26 degrees Celsius (79°F). A continuous supply of warm water is one of several critical factors in enabling hurricanes to intensify beyond the initial level of a major hurricane (Category 3).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loop_Current