Gas Prices Spike Before Big Travel Weekend

SEATTLE, WA - When Hurricane Harvey slammed into the coast of Texas, it didn't just destroy homes, businesses and transportation routes. The lethal storm has also disrupted production at key energy sector facilities, leading to a spike in gas prices. This all comes before one of the busiest travel times, Labor Day weekend.

Many Texas refineries have been forced to close and experts are predicting gas could go up 15 cents a gallon. The region generates about a quarter of the country's oil and gas production.

Already the American Automotive Association (AAA) reported gas prices have increased 4 cents a gallon since the storm hit. AAA shows average gas prices in the state are $2.95 compared to $2.38 nationwide.

Gas Buddy reports prices of $2.64 to $3.19 a gallon across the Seattle metropolitan area. The average price across the state is sharply up from $2.79 in July and $2.58 in January.

Past hurricanes, such as Katrina, caused a significant jump in gas prices across the country. However, these increases have tended to be temporary and gas prices have stabilized once production is restored.

Now-tropical storm Harvey will continue to dump heavy rains across the Gulf Coast region. Some areas are expected to see as much as 30 inches of precipitation.

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