OHIO — A large portion of Ohio has a front-row seat to the cosmic wonder that is a total solar eclipse on April 8, an event that is expected to draw in thousands of visitors.
Cities and towns throughout the eclipse’s path of totality are planning viewing parties, ranging in size, but attracting crowds to their various regions.
Whenever you have a lot of people in one place, there are inherent logistical and safety concerns. That’s why some officials are offering warnings, and a county in Texas is even issuing a disaster declaration ahead of the eclipse.
In an online town hall, Summit County officials discussed the upcoming event. County Executive Ilene Shapiro, on her Facebook page, addressed the highlights from that session. She said there will be plenty of people driving and using their phones around this event.
“So we are advising residents to host an at-home watch party or to walk, bike, or bus to a nearby location!” she said in her post. “And for travelers, make sure to download your directions! But most of all, have fun with your family and friends enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime event!”
In another post, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office also urged the public to remain home if possible due to heavy traffic and the potential for an overburdened telecommunications network.
The Elyria Township Fire Department, in a post on the township’s website, is also recommending residents stay home, noting an expected increase in local population ranging from 300,000 to 600,000 people.
“Elyria Township is responsible for protecting our residents and visitors to our community,” the post reads. “Therefore, we have joined forces with our communities to maintain our services during this event. We are still in the planning phase, which will continue until the day of the event.”
The post continues to note that all hotels in a 100-mile radius have been booked and that such an increase in population could have an effect on internet and cell phone service. While the post notes visitors will likely “trickle in” ahead of the event, many will probably leave the area following the eclipse viewing.
“This event, given good weather, will bring traffic to a crawl,” the post reads. “This will increase response times and possibly block our crews from responding to emergencies involving our residents and their homes. For this reason, we are attempting to add extra manpower for the duration of this event.”
The township recommends stocking food, keeping your phone charged and avoiding appointments around the event, if possible.
Bell County in Central Texas already issued a local disaster declaration ahead of the eclipse, expecting their population to potentially double due to the event’s gathered spectators.
Like the communities in Ohio, Bell County officials warned of slowed traffic, infrastructure challenges and a possible strain on first responders.
“In order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of both residents and visitors, Bell County has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken in the form of a local disaster declaration,” a county news release reads.
Spectrum News 1 Ohio will keep you up to date on more developments related to the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse.
Katharine Finnerty contributed to this report.