Gas prices rising ahead of Tropical Storm Barry

ATLANTA — Gas prices are rising in metro Atlanta ahead of Tropical Storm Barry.

The average price for gas across the metro area right now is about $2.74 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.com. That's up about 8 cents from where it was at the start of the week.

[GAS PRICES: Check for lowest gas prices across the metro]

Amradi O'Cain told Channel 2's Matt Johnson that she got used to hurricanes affecting her while growing up in Mobile, Alabama.

Now in Atlanta, it's at the gas pump where she expects to feel the effect of rising gas prices because of Tropical Storm Barry.

[READ: Tropical Storm Barry strengthening as it marches toward Louisiana]

“I wish Barry would slow down,” O’Cain said. “I hate it because you have to set aside money for bills, but you also have to set aside a budget just for your gas, too."

But experts Channel 2 Action News spoke with are forecasting only minor changes to gas prices in metro Atlanta.

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“Crude oil has gone up around 10% and what we call RBOB. That’s what we call gasoline. That’s increased about 10-12 cents, as well,” said Mike Thornbrugh, with QuikTrip gas stations.

The increases in prices that we are seeing are not expected to last long. Refineries near the path of the storm are taking temporary precautions.

[READ: How does a hurricane form?]

“Oil could come offline, production could come offline in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s about a million barrels that have come down temporarily, and that’s just to protect workers on those platforms in the Gulf of Mexico,” Chris Edmonds, with Enerecap Partners, said.

Barry could cause pipeline damage, but the damage isn't expected to be anything that could dramatically raise gas prices in metro Atlanta.

[READ: What is storm surge and why is it dangerous?]

“Prices may come up a nickel, a dime, a quarter, but they’ll come right back down after the storm,” Edmonds said.

That's good news for drivers like O'Cain, who told Johnson that every cent counts.

"I have to use premium gas. It’s a lot out of my pocket,” she said.

Experts are saying because Barry is projected to bring more rain than wind, damage should hopefully be minimal to oil refineries in the Gulf.

Cox Media Group