The first indication was a message appeared on the instrument panel saying the transmission overheated, the noise started and than the white smoke came out.
The engine had gotten so hot that they had to rebuild the upper half. Evidently some of the moving parts had melted. Fortunately, no damage was done to the lower half but the mechanic said I should ask that any problem that would occur with the engine within a reasonable time or millage should be covered by the dealership.