Los Angeles motorists experienced extreme congestion on the 405 Freeway as the Thanksgiving travel rush got underway, captured in aerial nighttime footage showing lanes jammed for miles under the city lights. The traffic surge reflects the beginning of one of the busiest travel periods in the United States, with AAA forecasting a record 82 million Americans traveling for the holiday in 2025.

Of those travelers, 9.6 million are expected to drive in California, contributing to a projected 14% increase in traffic on the 405 Freeway on November 26 between 1-3 p.m. PST. No accidents or unusual incidents have been reported to explain the congestion. However, upcoming Sepulveda Pass closures scheduled from December 5-8 may be prompting early avoidance and increased traffic as commuters adjust their schedules.

This massive influx of vehicles highlights the challenges of urban infrastructure under peak holiday demand, as well as the importance of careful planning and public alerts. Despite the frustrations, authorities emphasize that the congestion is a predictable seasonal pattern and encourage drivers to exercise patience, maintain safe distances, and consider alternative routes where possible.

For Los Angeles residents and travelers, the footage serves as a vivid reminder that even routine travel during peak holiday periods can become chaotic, emphasizing the ongoing need for thoughtful urban planning and public transportation support in America’s largest metropolitan areas.