U.S. energy companies monitor storms in Gulf

HOUSTON, Nov 6 (Reuters) - U.S. oil producers and refiners said operations were normal in and around the Gulf of Mexico early Friday as they monitored weather systems that could threaten offshore platforms and coastal facilities in the next several days.

"Wait and watch," said spokeswoman Linda Casey of Marathon Oil Co (MRO.N), which has a major refinery in Louisiana, describing the company's response so far.

"We monitor all storms. We'll take action when it's appropriate," said Apache Corp (APA.N) spokesman Bill Mintz. Apache has extensive oil and gas production in the Gulf.

Companies were faced with two systems -- former Hurricane Ida moving over Honduras and Nicaragua Friday and disturbed weather in the southwestern Gulf -- which could threaten Gulf area operations, energy traders and weather forecasters said.

Hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30, has been quiet up until now.

The Gulf of Mexico accounts for 25 percent of domestic U.S. oil production and 15 percent of natural gas output. About 40 percent of the nation's refining capacity is concentrated on the U.S. Gulf coast. (Reporting by Bruce Nichols in Houston, Haitham Haddadin, Joshua Schneyer in New York, Janet McGurty in Toronto; editing by Jim Marshall)