Y’all Americans are so into the eclipse in April that entire cities are bracing for you to show up with your “eclipse-induced chaos.”
Texas is concerned that so many people are going to show up to see the eclipse on April 8, 2024, that there will be fuel shortages and other negative impacts to infrastructure, according to AccuWeather. A state of emergency has reportedly already been put in place to manage the millions of people expected to descend on the Lone Star State with their “eclipse-induced chaos.”
“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 emergency declaration,” officials said in Bell County, just north of Austin. Some 400,000 people are expected to show up, so locals are also being told how to handle the situation.
The county is bracing for a massive influx of crowds that they say could strain local infrastructure, cause extreme traffic congestion, and potentially lead to food and fuel shortages.
Read more: https://t.co/qdKOOyhNWw pic.twitter.com/gZe1RuhoKb
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) March 3, 2024
Apparently Bell County residents “should stay home and avoid driving” during the eclipse. People should “fuel up” well “before the event,” as well as stocking up on food, water and other essentials. Oh, and apparently cellular activity could also be interrupted throughout the day. (RELATED: More Than 30 Million Americans Will Witness An Incredible Solar Spectacle In 2024)
People are also reportedly paying through the nose to see the eclipse this year in a region stretching from Texas to Maine. And some lucky travelers have apparently managed to snag a flight through the eclipse path offered by Delta Airlines, UPI reported.
The eclipse is expected to last 4 minutes and 28 seconds at its longest point in Torreon, Mexico, NASA said. Most other areas will only witness the path of totality for roughly 3 to 4 minutes.