Since some counties of Texas fell within the April 8 eclipse’s path of totality, local authorities were kind enough to sensitize residents on how to sidestep logistic bottlenecks.
They started with necessities, advising residents to stock up on food, gas, and similar supplies before the total solar eclipse.
US States Lying In the Path of Totality
The historic total solar eclipse occurred on April 8, and the path of impact cut across multiple states in the US.
During the intra-galactic dance of heavenly bodies, portions of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas were plunged into darkness in broad daylight.
A Rare Instance of Border-to-Border Eclipse
In their announcement, the Texas officials advised residents that “a bit after noon, the sun will be completely blocked out of sight in some parts of the state.” In total, about 15 states experienced the total solar eclipse of April 8.
Texas authorities took the proactive step of raising awareness by educating millions of residents in the state about what to expect during the event.
A Cross-country Eclipse
Of course, the total solar eclipse was not limited to the US; it extended into some portion of the North Atlantic. However, we doubt the likelihood of anyone venturing that far out to experience a solar eclipse.
However, an unprecedented inflow of eclipse watchers entered the predicted path of totality in 15 states of the US.
Going On that Long-postponed Visit
People who have friends and relatives on the predicted path of totality called them, asking them to visit during the event. Others who didn’t have acquaintances in the closest impact areas used public spaces.
A Texas man claimed he hosted about 30 guests at his home during the eclipse. So, it was almost as if the authorities preempted the logistic bottlenecks that the eclipse would cause.
Experiencing A Natural Phenomenon
So, they issued statements and announcements urging people to stock up on essentials before April 8. Texas residents were urged to treat the event like an emergency as some basic services may be out during the period.
Several counties in Texas, particularly those in the path of totality, even issued disaster declarations.
What Is a Path of Totality?
Now, if you are wondering what a “path of totality” is, let us take a moment to explain. It so happens that eclipses occur in varying degrees. Indeed, an eclipse may occur without you even realizing it when the sun is partially shielded from the Earth.
So, a path of totality is a region in which the sun’s light is cut off 100% in broad daylight during an eclipse.
Nature Necessitated a State of Emergency
The Office of Emergency Services in Hays County, Texas, advised locals to stock up on supplies. The unit’s director, Mike Jones, even appeared on local TV to spread the information.
“I recommended visiting the stores and gas stations in advance to simply reduce traffic flow the day of the event,” said Jones during a pre-eclipse interview.
Guests Arrived in Droves
On the eclipse D-day, Texas counties on the path of totality were flooded with guests from other counties and even different states, as predicted by Jones’ office.
Of course, it was a one-day boom for businesses in the host counties, but it was probably frustrating for locals who did not prepare adequately. Some stores require at least a 24-hour notice to replenish depleted stock.
Details as Minute as the Gas in Your Tank
Jones explained in the aftermath of the eclipse that his Office advised locals to manage the expectation of human traffic in their areas during the event.
Likewise, he advised people to fill up car tanks in the build-up to the eclipse. Jones said, “I always encourage [people] to keep your fuel tanks filled [half] tank or better as a standard practice.”
Watch Parties With Barbeque and Eat-outs
A website by residents of Hays County also predicted that several thousand guests would flood the area on the day of the eclipse.
An Oklahoma couple with four kids took the opportunity to visit family in Dallas-Fort Worth. Some local corporate organizations even hosted watch parties, where they handed out free Googles.
A Sudden Spike in Air Travel
Many people travel by air to arrive at a city within the path of totality. For example, the Guardian reported that Ignas Barauskas traveled by air from Lithuania to Texas just to experience the eclipse.
Reports were that flights to locations in the path of totality were overbooked, causing prices to skyrocket. Hotels also became expensive overnight.
Airlines Exploit the Economic Returns of High Demand for Tickets to Particular Cities
Another report suggested airline customers received cancellation notices on their long-held tickets to areas with spikes in air travel traffic. Subsequently, these exact tickets were resold for three times its initial price.
Interests were stoked, and expectations were high, as people who could afford it defied the expense of visiting locations where they could experience the eclipse firsthand.
The Intelligence Community Sniffed Around for Terror Threats
Besides the potential threats of depleted supplies, traffic gridlock, and pressure on public amenities, there was also a rumor of terrorist threats during the eclipse.
The US Intelligence was on its toes and apprehensive of large gatherings since the recent incidence of bombings at a concert hall in Moscow. Thankfully, nothing of such happened on April 8.
State of Emergency in Texas
Counties in Texas, such as Bell County, Kendall County, and Travis County, all issued disaster declarations before the eclipse’s D-day.
These declarations became necessary to help locals adapt to the social shock of having several thousands of guests flooding into their community in 24 hours. Authorities ensured that both locals and visitors were safe.
First Responder Services On Standby
Law enforcement in Bell County went a bit further to declare a state of emergency. It was projected that the county would experience a doubling in population during the eclipse watch.
So, they prepared facilities, such as the ERs, first responders, and traffic wardens, to address and contain any emergency.
Crowd Control Was Part of the Preparation in Bell County
In addition, Bell County issued public declarations instructing property owners on how to host large crowds during the eclipse.
For example, Bell County mandated property owners not to host more than 50 people at a single location. Where gatherings larger than 50 people are inevitable, such an entity must notify the local authorities.
Caution to Property Owners
The essence of the crowd-control regulation is to ensure property owners do not overstretch the amenities available on their premises.
For example, adequate bathrooms and waste disposal facilities would have to be provided for crowds larger than 50, and paramedics and other first responders would have to be stationed at such gatherings.
NASA Explains Total Solar Eclipse
According to NASA, a total solar eclipse is a rare occurrence in which the moon momentarily aligns between the Earth and the sun, causing a total blockage of sun rays traveling to Earth.
This phenomenon results in pitch darkness in the impact area. However, it seldom lasts too long. For areas in the path of totality, the eclipse of April 8 lasted for roughly four minutes and started around 1:40 p.m. in North Texas.
When to Expect the Next Total Solar Eclipse in the US
According to expert predictions, there will be no other total eclipse in the United States until 22 August 2044. The impact area for that one is projected to be Sontana, North and South Dakota, and northern Canada.
However, the next coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in the US is forecasted to happen on 12 August 2045. How old would you be by then?