1998 Jeep Cherokee Loud Noise

Well that is a possibility. Darkness decended before I could investigat further. But this was more of a very loud sound. Not a hissing normally associated with an A/C leak. The only way I can describe it was like I said "standing next to a leaf blower or shop vac." Also, why would it stop when I disconnected the battery? And why won't it turn over now? BTW-the starter is less than 6 mo. Old.

Actually Turddog your AC answer seems to be the most sensible. I had a new compressor installed 2 years ago-$800 w/ no warranty-$1400 w/ warranty. Something about flushing the entire system was the difference. It never did work "quite right". Noticed the last couple of months that it would squeal like a Banshee when first engaged. If a line blew near the starter, which looked to be where the sound was coming from, its possible the ignition wires got moisture which would explain the no start issue. That noise though, nothing like I've ever heard. And am still puzzled why it would stop after disconnecting the battery. And as long as it continued it should have expelled all the freon. Another thing I just thought of-if the moisture shorted one of the thousand fuses that control another thousand things and are all linked together in some mad scientist way!
In any case thanks for your input. I have a friend and a flatbed coming in the morning so we can get it on a rack and see whats up. Thanks again!
Bob

Well it turns out that the problem was the starter. It seems that a small amount of oil from the filter, which is directly over the starter-not the best place, had leaked onto the contacts shorting it out. Since it is directly connected to the battery that's why it kept spinning even with the ignition switch off. That was the loud "leaf blower" sound. Good news is the starter was still under warranty and my buddy only charged me $68 for the tow and labor. A/C appears to be OK. Thanks again for the help Turddog.
Bob