RALEIGH -- The current slide in gas prices has even surprised those who watch these things for a living.

Tiffany Wright with Triple A Carolinas says they expected a tumble at the pump this fall, but it has been faster and deeper than predicted.

"Right now we are at 21 cents less than we were paying a month ago, and these prices are just continuing to fall at the pump."

South Carolina's statewide average has already dropped below $3 a gallon and Wright says North Carolina should see that same number before Thanksgiving. Wright cites lower demand, full refinery capacity, and increased domestic production as factors behind the drop.