CHARLOTTE — Escalating gas prices and gloomy weather predictions due to Hurricane Isaac are expected to dampen Labor Day holiday travel this weekend by North Carolinians, according to AAA Carolinas.

An expected 926,300 North Carolina residents will travel more than 50 miles from home during the five-day Labor Day holiday travel period (Aug. 30-Sept. 3), roughly the same number of travelers as last year.

"A month ago, we expected a robust increase this year for the Labor Day holiday travel weekend, but with the recent spike in gas prices and the threat of Hurricane Isaac, many last-minute travelers will choose to stay home," said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas.

North Carolina gas prices have increased an average of a penny a day since July 4, rising from $3.18 to ...