Travis County issues local disaster declaration ahead of solar eclipse on April 8

AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Travis County Judge Andy Brown has signed a local disaster declaration ahead of the total solar eclipse set to take place next month - an event expected to draw large crowds to much of Central Texas.

The disaster declaration allows the county to take additional steps to prepare for what is expected to be a large influx of visitors to the area.

The eclipse - which will occur on April 8 - will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for many in Central Texas. The last time Travis County was in the path of totality for a total solar eclipse was in the year 1397; the next won't be until 2343. The next total solar eclipse to be visible in North America, in 2044, will pass through parts of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

“Today, I issued the Travis County disaster declaration to ensure the safe and successful enjoyment of the April 8th total solar eclipse,” Brown said. “This disaster declaration will allow our first responders and public safety officials to better manage traffic and crowds as we anticipate the population to potentially double in size, and we want to ensure everyone can enjoy the total solar eclipse in Travis County.”

Under the disaster declaration, private property owners in unincorporated areas of Travis County must notify the county if they plan on hosting an event with more than 50 people on the day of the eclipse.

Other tips from county officials include:
*Plan ahead for heavy traffic all day Monday, April 8, 2024, especially after the eclipse when people leave at the same time
*Work from home that day if you can
*Make non-urgent appointments for a different day if you can
*Get gas and groceries and run other errands before the eclipse day
*Watch at home or pick a location near home to watch
*Don’t stop in the middle of the road or on shoulders to watch the eclipse

Across Central Texas, both Hays CISD and Lake Travis ISD have canceled classes for April 8. LTISD officials cited "a number of safety and operational concerns" in making the decision to cancel classes, saying local infrastructure and resources are expected to be strained with the expected influx of visitors.

Bell County has also issued a local disaster declaration, with officials there bracing for large crowds as well. Killeen, Temple, and Belton schools have also canceled classes for April 8.