I 40 in December??

[68 Whiskey]

We’re heading out to AZ from GA and getting a late start (just after Thanksgiving). I-40 is the route we like and also bypasses Dallas/FW area. I know that at times it can turn nasty in a hurry in spots. Does anyone have any input, ideas and/or current info to share? Many thanks.

[AudiDudi]

You don't say what part of Arizona. Nothern Arizona and New Mexico are pretty high elevation (5000 ft + in many spots). If heading for the Phoenix/Tucson area, depending on the weather forecasts, I might consider a more southerly route, at least towards the end. Do you have a route planned yet?

[68 Whiskey]

You are correct. An important detail. We’re heading to Mesa. As you had mentioned, I was considering running west on 40 until around Albuquerque and heading south to I-10. If it starts looking bad a few days ahead of us I guess we can go south to 20. We’re not in a big rush, but wanting to beat the bad weather and be there by Christmas.

[AudiDudi]

Sounds like a plan and you seem to have ample time to wait out any bad weather for a couple days if need be. We're in Casa Grande and I would do the I-10 route most likely.

[WFD]

Would it not be advantageous to stop in Albuquerque to check the forecast ahead...if it's clear then continue on I-40. By going South to I-10, I take it you mean south on I-25...does that not add quite a few miles? If you need to on account of bad weather west of Albuquerque, then it makes sense, but if it's good to go, then continuing on I-40 to say Holbrook, then south from there, cuts quite a few miles, does it not?
Before you arrive in Albuquerque, watching the trucks heading east out of Albuquerque gives you a good indication of what they just drove through. If they are coming out full of snow, then you know you want to head south to I-10.

[CHICKDOE]

we live in payson, az. we have been having a very dry season, at least so far. there is no forecast for bad weather in the 10 day forecast. so I-40 seems quite reasonable. but you can check the weather as you get closer and adjust.

[RangeMaggotBob]

It's an interstate highway. The only way you're going to have a problem is if you're traveling during the middle of a storm. Otherwise they keep it pretty clear.

[army1]

I-40 should be ok just hold your nose as you go thru Amerillo, tx.

[CedarCreekWoody]

I would suggest considering turning Southwest on I30 in little Rock and follow it south to 635 around Dallas, then i20 down to I10. No construction on that part of 635 in dallas.

[Tulloh]

I live in Oklahoma City just off I40. Generally, it isn’t a problem, but, it can also be icy. Just don’t be in a hurry. I-40 is cleared quickly. If the weather is bad just stop for a night or two and things should be fine.

[NMWildcat]

Can I40 get nasty in a hurry during the winter? Yes. Will it? Nobody can tell that. All you can do is look at several forecasts and decide on the best route.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Depending on where you live in GA, just pick up I20 in GA and stay south all the to I10 in West Texas. This passes on the south side of Dallas, missing all of the construction. I20 can get icy at times, gut it is rare and usually short lived (less likely than I40 in Memphis or little rock.)

[Tbonz]

If it starts snowing and blowing while in Texas Panhandle , look for a place to wait it out!!

[68 Whiskey]

Weather watching and RV travel definitely go together. Everybody’s input is greatly appreciated. Guess I’ll have to buy you all a virtual beer. Not as good as a real one though.

[B47]

Originally Posted by army1

I-40 should be ok just hold your nose as you go thru Amerillo, tx.

Ask any of those rich Texas cattlemen about that smell and they'll tell you :that's the smell of money.

[elind]

When I go from Michigan to Casa Grande, Az., I like turning off of I-40 at Santa Rosa on 54 to Almogordo and then 70 to Las Cruces to hook up on I-10. It's close to the same time to Casa Grande, but it's pretty much flat land driving.

[DKRITTER]

I hunt the Texas Panhandle every Christmas and New Years, the last few years my New Years hunt has been canceled due to poor weather.
I-40 can be a great drive but like has been said be sure to stay ahead of the weather. OKC to ABQ can quickly turn into a ice skating rink this time of year but it could be a beautiful drive also.
I have the WeatherBug app on the phones and tablet and keep up with the weather this time of the year.
Lots of options along the way to drop down.

[muddyrode]

i past that age a long time ago

[jaherbst]

I-20 to I-10 would definitely be recommended from Georgia this time of year. There are many different ways around Dallas if that is your concern. I-40 gets up to elevations of 8000+ feet and that is not a good thing if any kind of weather crops up. If going to Mesa on I-40 continue to Flagstaff then south on I-17. This will take you right into Phoenix. Mesa is a suburb.

Jack

[checkmate99]

Times 2 on what WFD said! We have gone from NE Ohio to Phoenix in Dec for several years. It's the best, most direct route. Weather has been a problem only once, and it cleared and snow melted in less then 48 hours. That part of the country can be below freezing to 70 degrees from dad to day. Also, going south from Holbrook is a beautiful drive. Good luck and safe travels!