New flow estimate released

There's a new estimate for the size of the Gulf oil spill. Scientists said the well is leaking between 35,000 and 60,000 barrels a day. Previous estimates put the size as 20,000 to 40,000 barrels a day. The numbers are based on an analysis of high-resolution video taken by underwater robots, pressure meters, sonar, and measurements of oil collected by the containment device on top of the well. (Source: Washington Post, 06/15/10). Earlier today, a lightning strike caused a fire and forced BP to shut down a system that's been capturing oil from the well. The fire was extinguished and the system restarted five hours later. (Source: AP via Sun Herald, 06/15/10) President Barack Obama wrapped up a two-day visit to the Gulf Coast Tuesday. He's scheduled to give an evening talk from the Oval Office. (Multiple, 06/15/10) The Deepwater Horizon blew up April 20, killing 11 workers. Oil has gushed into the Gulf of Mexico since then and has soiled parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.