Crossing the south US in October

that route works all year.

I’d suggest a leisurely drive down Natchez Trace from Nashville.

Don't worry about the weather in October. Enjoy the trip!

Tornados are a minimal concern in October. The worst storms are much more likely in the spring and along I-40 than along I-10.

Hurricanes - only the Lord knows where they will go or impact. Just have a backup plan in the very small chance one could impact your route.

We are hoping to hit tourist spots like LBJ & George HW Bush libraries in TX, love Gulf Shores, want to visit Mobile & hubby wants to see NO. Just trying to see how much trouble we will have with tornadoes & hurricanes on this route... At least hurricanes usually offer some warning. We have 40 planned for another trip since we have already seen much of that route on a previous trip (but a different time of year). Thanks for the reassurance so far.

Ozlander wrote:
Why drive all over the country.
Just take I-40 to I-30 to I-10 and be done with it.

I definitely think that I-40 is a more pleasant drive than I-10. The 40 is gorgeous that time of year.

In October you will be fine on just about any route you want to use. Fall colors will be better on I-40 and the cities are easier to get through IMO. I try to avoid, Dallas/Ft. Worth but OKC is not that much better. Houston and San Antonio are to far out of the way, if I was in Nashville heading for Yuma.

For an alternate route, in San Antonio take US 90 back to I-10. Plan your trip to be in Marfa, TX at night to view the Marfa Lights.

Why drive all over the country.
Just take I-40 to I-30 to I-10 and be done with it.

Yes, it should only be in the mid to low 90s as you cross Texas. :-) Or it might be close to freezing.

There are two things to avoid on I-10 across Louisiana and Texas.

There is bridge construction in Lake Charles on I-10. It can be avoided by taking the loop freeway to the south of Lake Charles.

There is major highway construction the first 10 miles or so entering Texas. It is a must avoid in my opinion. LA/TX 12 is the alternate and you need to go north to LA-12 before getting to Lake Charles.

That is a perfect time of year to take a road less traveled - US-90 from San Antonio to Van Horn, TX. Maybe a few days at Big Bend NP and/or Davis Mountains State Park.

I assume you know about the alternate bypass to avoid downtown El Paso.