Solar Eclipse is Monday

The Solar Eclipse, which has been in the headlines for the last several months, will occur on Monday, April 8. Freestone County is in the path of totality for the Solar Eclipse.

Totality will last anywhere from a few seconds to 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

In Freestone County, the totality is expected to be one minute and 41 seconds and occur at approximately 1:40 p.m.

A total Solar Eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun.

All area hotels are booked for the event. Law enforcement is expecting that the population of Freestone County could double on Monday, April 8, due to all of the travelers who traveled to view the Solar Eclipse.

Freestone County Sheriff Jeremy Shipley encourages local residents to get groceries, gas, take care of prescriptions or any medical needs, and run any necessary errands prior to the weekend of the event.

Shipley’s first tip is for residents to stay home on Solar Eclipse day due to the increased traffic expected in the area on April 8.

Authorities also said to have some cash on hand. Cellular service and internet disruptions could occur and interfere with credit or cellular transactions.

All area school districts have closed on the day due to safety concerns.

In Freestone County, some businesses are closing early for the day or during the Solar Eclipse. Freestone Medical Center posted last week, “To help decrease traffic and to ensure our patients safety, our clinics will be closing at 12 Noon on Monday, April 8.”

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles will also allow no size/weight permitted loads to travel at all on April 8. This applies to those vehicles that require a permit due to heavy or oversized loads.

Although there is a chance for clouds and rain in the forecast, the Solar Eclipse will still be a sight for everyone to see. Make sure to wear Solar Eclipse glasses when outside viewing the event.

The next Solar Eclipse will be on Aug. 23, 2044, but will not come through Texas. Texas will experience a Solar Eclipse known as the “Ring of Fire” in 2056.