Planning a trip sept 15th -24th need a new driving route due to hurricane!!!!

[chrisanne.]

Hello, every one I have been reading the forum for a while but never joined until now.I have my trip to DSW ready .But since the hurricane hit it has closed the route we had chosen to drive.I live in houston and we were planning on driving thru New Orleans and Mississippi to Flordia.I have been looking for a alternate route.I am a little scared since I have heard stories of looters on the road and there not being enough gas, or a limit on gas.Part of me wants to cancel the trip but we have been plannig for a year and I really have no idea what to do.Please help with your opinions of what you would do, or if you have any other routes.

 

[Friendly Frog]

Hi,
I am sorry that I can't help you with a route. I don't know how many in your family, or what your budget is, but I am in Dallas and I have seen some pretty good last min airfare specials. With gas prices so high, and if your planning on staying overnight in a hotel on the way up and back, you might want to take a second look at flying?

I hope you have a safe trip, good luck.

Edited to add: We will be at there Sept. 16-21.

 

[MKOATEYW]

First invest in some maps just in case! You may have to way farther north then west then back south and on into florida. I am sure you will be adding on many extra hours and miles (i.e. gas)

You may think about getting plane tickets instead if you can afford it. Try South West and Air tran I usualy have good luck with cheap fairs from them.

I would take 20 west all the way to Meridan Miss. Then on to 80 west to Montgomery, AL. we use 331 or 231 south to get to high way 10 when is all the way in back in florida. I would hope that way far enough north for it to be clear.

I spoke to family in Laurel and Meridan today they said the roads there way were clear and most of the power was back on, but gas was in short supply. And Hotels rooms were not to be found. Those not pleaces not dammaged were being used by displaced families or workers there to help with storm after math.

Email or Call the highway patrol in each state to be sure. My real worry would be running out of gas.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Sorry can't help you on the route to take-we're flying from California. Just wanted to say we're going to be there at the same time. We arrive in Fl on the 15th, arrive at WDW on the 18th and leave on the 24th. We're staying at POFQ. Maybe we'll see you around-look for our green mickey!

8 days and counting!!! (and crossing our fingers for good weather)

 

[daretodream]

So sorry about your dilemma. We're in Panama City, FL and are planning to be at POR Sept. 12-17. We have family in Pensacola area. They say gas is pretty hard to get and when you find it the lines are incredibly long. It hasn't been bad in Panama City. Even had a station selling at 2.52 a gallon until Sat. Then only went up to 2.67. We had friends that drove to Disney last week and said they didn't have any problems on 75 or in the Orlando area. They started to see problems when they hit 10. Praying your trip works out for you!

 

[jaymie_g]

Drove to Gulfport, MS area from Atlanta, GA area.

I can report that the MS DOT has done a kick rearend job of clearing the roads. It was very evident that much debris had blocked the roads. It is pushed to the sides now. I-10 is open all the way through MS - though it is detoured in one stretch east bound due to a barge sitting on the interstate. Gas is available in most parts - however, there is a state limit of $75 at each station. Most stations in the disaster area are cash only. Outside of those areas debit/credit cards are fine.

You'll be fine with your travel. Folks are doing their best down there. We ran into no problems at all. Just be kind and thankful that you have what you have.

I must add, as a side note, that the experience of working down there for two days left me forever changed. Gulfport is destroyed. They have so little left. I did learn that water is in large supply as is food. They REALLY need diapers, pads, tampons, adult diapers (Depends) and baby food/formula. So, if you are out and about and can afford to pick up some of those items take the time to do so! Many churches have convoys headed down throughout the South....just touch base with one of them to send your donations. I can tell you first hand.....it will be welcomed.

Have a great trip!

 

[thptrek]

Just remember that I10 around New Orleans is shut down for a long time. Go east across I20 is the only way.

 

[bcsmom]

Chrisanne,

I am going to Disney also on Wednesday, and I from Baton Rouge. We are going down I-12, which eventually turns into I-10. It is open in that area. Also, I think the only real gas shortage was in Mississippi. So I will fill up in BR, then again in Florida. The whole thing with the looter's around N.O, is under control from what I understand. There has been lot's of rumors, so do not believe all of what you hear. However, I would not get out of car any where near N.O.

 

[Diznenut]

I live in Meridian Ms. The roads are clear, gas is available at 90% of the stations and becuase we were/are a disaster zone, gas is frozen at the pre katrina price of 2.49 a gallon. However, there are no rooms available at any hotels in the disaster zone. We still have evacuees and emergency personnel housed here.

My suggestion is to take MKOATEYW advice and take 20 over to 231 and go from there. it may add a little time to your trip but you shouldnt have any troubles.

 

[owtrbnks]

Mr. McNally lists all the routes in his book.