Winter road conditions in the South

[dick&claire]

We're hoping to find a good weather window to leave Massachusetts just after Christmas and head south for January and possibly February. I'd appreciate any advice on the road conditions and campground availability in Mississipi, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas during the Winter months. Dick & Claire

[HowieE]

Odds are in your favor all across the gulf states. As for the road route 10 in La is never usable summer or winter.

We leave NJ on the 2nd. of Jan. I generally do not take on water until I am below the freeze line, NC/SC area. Last year spent the first night in a motel, SC, because 25 degrees and no water was a bit much.

Just look at the weather from Ma to SC a day or so before leaving and make a run for it.

[slowmover]

"Winter" usually arrives just after Christmas and can hang around into March with high winds and wet weather. "Winter" means mornings at or below 40F.

Ice storms are the real problem for driving. Otherwise, rain, wind combinations that make traction problematic (and deceptive).

Interstate 20 is always a good road, and anything south of it is generally "warm".

"Winter Texans" start arriving slowly in October, heading for the Rio Grande Valley where the climate is akin to central/southern Florida. At New Years those places (and, here) are about filled up until April 1st. When they all leave. At once.