Turkey Day Travel

Weather and crowds are liable to make Thanksgiving travel an affair for the stout-hearted. Some tips to consider before you set out:

Weather outlook: Cloudy, with rain likely by early this afternoon; temperatures ranging from the high 50s to low 70s. Thursday also will be cloudy with chance of showers.

On the Road

The CHP will deploy 80% of its 5,000 officers on what is one of the heaviest travel days of the year.

* Leave early and prepare for heavy traffic.

* Heavy rains typically reduce highway travel speed by as much as 50%

* The Riverside Freeway heading east through the Santa Ana Canyon will be particularly crowded

* Take extra supplies, including water, blankets and flares

* Make sure windshield wipers work and blades are in good condition

* Have a full tank of gas before leaving

At the Airport

Last year, passenger volume jumped nearly 40% the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Similar crowds are expected today.

* Rain does not typically delay flights, but it often affects arrivals from Bay Area airports

* Call airlines to check departure and arrival times

* Flight information is on John Wayne Airport’s website: www.ocair.com. Site also lists airline 800 numbers