Total Solar Eclipse - On Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a total Solar Eclipse known as the "Great North American Eclipse" and it will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada; The Moon’s shadow will fall on Earth it will be positioned so that the entire disc of the sun will be blocked out in several U.S. states, plunging millions of people into darkness during the early afternoon. At least four states (TX, OH, IN, OK) are warning residents to stock up on food before the 2024 solar eclipse. Several other states have closed schools and warned of overwhelming traffic.

Sunday, April 7th - Updates:

• The path of Monday’s solar eclipse will be narrower than projected, according to a recent adjustment in calculations, meaning some viewers expecting to see the total eclipse will miss out. The update implies a narrower window of optimum viewing for those situated along the fringe of the totality path, potentially diminishing the duration of complete coverage. It also means some locations will miss the complete solar eclipse experience. Read More 

• Potential Terror Attack Threats are a Concern - for large crowds [be caution and aware of surroundings] preemptive actions being taken by law enforcement. Read More

• There will be unusual visual affects caused by the Eclipse - Red and green colors will look strange, if you see the sun's light coming through tight gaps in trees, you might notice lots of little crescents and people in the eclipse's path can also see an odd shimmering called shadow bands. Other changes to expect include a drop in temperature — and the appearance of colors in the sky that will make it seem as if you're seeing a sunset (or sunrise) across the full 360 degrees of the horizon. Read More

Safety

• Since looking directly at the Sun can cause permanent eye damage or even blindness, special eclipse safety glasses or viewers must always be used during a solar eclipse (sunglasses are not safe). 

How to Prepare for April 8th: 

• Fill up your gas tank and a gas can

• Get cash in small denominations 

• Get water, food (incl. non-perishables), hygiene and household items (see list) for at least 2 weeks

• Flash Lights, batteries, emergency lights

• Keep your cell phone and other electronic devices fully charged 

• Pet owners are reminded to stock up on supplies for their animals.

• Be prepared to shelter in place if necessary

• Pick up all prescriptions and OTC medicine you routinely need

FAA Alert: FAA warns of air travel disruptions in path of April 8 eclipse officials also warned of widespread cell phone disruption ahead of solar eclipse 

Path of Totality - 13 US States: TEXAS, OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, MISSOURI, ILLINOIS, KENTUCKY, INDIANA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, NEW YORK, VERMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, MAINE Related Article

State/Local Updates 

• Texas

  • Bell County, Texas  (north of Austin) - Declares state of emergency ahead of total solar eclipse - Bell County Judge David Blackburn issued a local disaster declaration on Wednesday after officials decided they had to take “extraordinary measures” to keep residents and visitors safe. Bell County offices will be closed on April 8. Judge Blackburn is encouraging the county’s more than 1,200 employees to stay home because of the increase in traffic expected. He also suggested that people take care of all their errands, such as grocery shopping and buying gas, a few days before the eclipse. Killeen, Temple, and Belton schools will be closed on April 8 because of the large crowds expected in the area. Read More

  • Dripping Springs City Council voted on Tuesday to approve a disaster declaration as part of preparedness efforts for the April 8 total solar eclipse, which will envelope much of Texas in total darkness. The disaster declaration is meant to activate the city's emergency management team to provide aid if needed, according to a news release from the council, though the city does not anticipate significant issues stemming from the eclipse. Read More 

• Oklahoma - National Guard to assist emergency responders during eclipse - The ONG said members of the 63rd CST will coordinate with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management to provide McCurtain County first responders with additional HAZMAT response capabilities. ONG said in the event of a HAZMAT emergency, such as an industrial fire, or another emergency that requires specialized training, the 63rd CST will be able to respond so local emergency officials to continue assisting citizens and visitors. Read More 

• Ohio - The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806, and the next total solar eclipse will not pass through Ohio until the year 2099. The Ohio EMA urges those traveling to see the eclipse to make a preparedness kit for their vehicle and include items like snacks, drinks, cash, cell phone chargers, and blankets.

  • Governor signs executive order focused on eclipse - DeWine recently signed Executive Order 2024-04D, which directs “all State departments and agencies to be ready and prepared to ensure the health and safety of all Ohioans and visitors before, during, and after the eclipse. Read More

  • Summit and Lorain Counties - "We're telling everyone, 'stay home,' Johnson said. "Watch the clips at home, and let your guests sleep on the couch." But make sure that you just keep everyone safe, make sure you have a full tank of gas before you get to wherever you're arriving for the Eclipse. Make sure you have water in your car in case you get stuck and you have to stay." Read More

  • School Closures - It’s official – CCSD will have a calamity day on April 8, 2024, for eclipse day. Dozens of schools will be closed and a few will open with early release; Universities will have remote learning. Read More 

• Indiana - All hands on deck: That’s why eclipse day will be an all-hands-on-deck day for state police. No vacations. No time off. All personnel will be available and working in their respective districts. That’s their plan, especially because they anticipate local agencies being focused on their own towns or cities, leaving ISP as the responding agency to emergency calls on interstates and highways. Read More 

  • Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb issued the emergency declaration as a precaution ahead of the April 8 event. Read More 

🚩Opinion: Based on my observation, there are interestingly aggressive measures being taken by some states and counties in the path of the eclipse. This level of concern was not expressed in years past by local authorities. The explanation provided for encouraging people to prepared is because these small towns are expecting tourist in large numbers. Given such, the stores, roads, cell towers etc. will not be able to handle such an influx in population. Is this legitimate? What exactly are these officials "not" saying? Is there cause for a greater concern? As always, I encourage everyone to fully prepare in the event there is something more to the story. It could simply be nothing for concern but it is better to be safe than sorry. And by all means, make an independent decision - do you own research (the information above is a not a comprehensive list) and do what is best for your household. 

Check out the YouTube Video for ideas on How to Prepare for the Solar Eclipse