Powerful storm hits Southeast, mid-Atlantic*

Updated 11/21/2006 4:34 PM ET

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The earliest snow in decades swirled in South
Carolina on Tuesday as a nor'easter deepened off the coast and is
expected to slow motorists at the busiest travel time of the year.

A trace of snow was recorded at the Charleston International Airport,
the earliest on record, according to the National Climatic Data Center.

Snowflakes were also reported in the Midlands, the first time since 1968
that snow has been reported there in November, according to the
Southeast Regional Climate Center.

Heavy rains and wind gusts above tropical storm strength buffeted the
coast, slowing morning rush hour traffic and a steady rain fell into the
afternoon.

Gusts of 44 mph were reported in Folly Beach and at the Waterfront Park
in downtown Charleston.

Wind advisories were posted on overhead signs on the approaches to area
bridges as traffic slowly moved through a combination or rain, sleet and
an occasional snow flurry. The steady rain through the morning caused
street flooding in areas around Charleston.

The National Weather Service said no snow accumulation was expected, but
that the storm would linger off the coast through late Wednesday,
bringing strong winds and occasional downpours as hundreds of thousands
hit the road for the long holiday weekend.

An advisory said slush could build up on vehicles and bridges.

Winds were between 20 and 30 mph with higher gusts. Wind advisories were
in effect across the state into Wednesday.

A gale warning was in effect for the coastal waters and a high surf
advisory, warning of breakers between 4 and 6 feet in the surf zone, was
issued for the coast through Tuesday afternoon. The National Weather
Service warned that the pounding waves could bring beach erosion.

Auto travel is expected to be up 3% from last Thanksgiving in South
Carolina with an estimated 523,000 South Carolinians traveling for the
holiday, according to AAA Carolinas.

"It is snowing in the area but the temperatures are in the mid 30s and
any snow that falls is going to melt on contact with any roads or grass
surfaces," said Frank Alsheimer, a forecaster with the National Weather
Service in Charleston.

"It should not cause, by itself, any travel problems. But we do have
strong rains with this storm and periodic heavy rains," he added.

There was a chance of showers in the forecast through early
Thanksgiving, but the weekend promised sunny weather and mild
temperatures for early Christmas shoppers.

While traffic may be heavier, gas prices will be lower than a year ago.

Gas in South Carolina is nine cents lower a gallon than last
Thanksgiving and nearly 60 cents below what it was on Labor Day, the
motor club reported.

About 70% of travelers expect to stay with friends or relatives, an
increase from 55% last year.

"Thanksgiving weekend travel continues to set records," said David E.
Parsons, the club's president and chief executive officer.

The cheapest gas in the state can be found in Spartanburg at just over
$2.04 a gallon. The most expensive was in the Charleston area at almost
$2.10 a gallon, the motor club said.

Ten people lost their lives on South Carolina highways during
Thanksgiving weekend last year.