Sun, Crowded Roads in Holiday Forecast

Jammed roadways, stuffed tummies and sunny skies were forecast for Thanksgiving Day today in Ventura County.

While weary travelers were pulling into Oxnard Airport and local train stations Wednesday night, California Highway Patrol officers were headed out in force to begin a “maximum enforcement period,” Officer Dave Cockrill said.

“Drunk driving is one of the main things we look for along with speeding, tailgating and unsafe lane changes,” Cockrill said.

During the long holiday weekend last year, there were no reported fatalities in the county, Cockrill said, adding he hopes to “start a new streak.”

The enhanced coverage means 80% of all available officers will be patrolling the county’s roads and freeways until midnight Sunday, Cockrill said.

Officers will see plenty of travelers, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California, which expects nearly 2 million drivers to be traveling in Southern California Wednesday and today.

“Because increased numbers of people will be traveling by car and driving to airports, it’s more important than ever for motorists to plan their holiday travel wisely,” said Arline Dillman, the Auto Club’s traffic safety manager.

Dillman said people driving today and Sunday afternoon should get on the road early and bring a map in case an alternate route is needed.

Even if drivers get stuck in traffic, it will be during some great weather, according to the National Weather Service office in Oxnard.

Clear, breezy skies were forecast today through Sunday on the coast and inland, said meteorologist Bill Hoffer. Highs throughout the county are expected to range between the mid-60s and low 70s with lows in the upper 40s.