How city leaders are preparing for the solar eclipse

Alex Coleman
·2 min read

MEMPHIS, Tenn. —  Next Monday, thousands of people will be traveling through the Mid-South to capture the moment of the solar eclipse. Its ‘path of totality’ will cut through a portion of Arkansas.

Arkansas and Tennessee public safety leaders met Tuesday to discuss their final plans for the eclipse and its impact on the region.

They say that they are bracing for the huge surge in visitors that could put a strain on some resources.

Preparations underway for solar eclipse in the Mid-South

“Obviously, public safety is our primary concern for any type of event coming through West Memphis,” said DeWayne Rose, West Memphis Director of Emergency Management. “Arkansas and Tennessee have both been partnering with planning for this event. So, the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Arkansas Highway Police and Arkansas State Police will be working the interstate system to make sure all of our travelers get through here safely.”

The narrow path of totality will directly run through the center of the natural state. State leaders say they anticipate traffic congestion, fuel shortages and possible challenges for first responders and their resources such as cell phone towers.

“There is a possibility that there may be an overtaxing of our communication and our cell phone towers,” said John Woodward, Operations Manager/Arkansas MEMS Ambulance Service. “The main radio system that we use is a win radios. And that’s the majority of emergency services across the state use the A win radios. If it in fact does fail, we have the ability to move to our primary backup system, which is our UHF radio frequencies”

West Memphis, AR expecting eclipse travelers

Regarding the interstate and state roads, West Memphis emergency management leaders say they are working to make sure traffic flows smoothly.

“We’re hoping there are no road closures. Arkansas is suspending all of their work zones during the eclipse travel time that way people can get to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible,” Rose said. “Get to your destination safely where you are trying to go and enjoy the eclipse.”

This will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the U.S. until 2044. Remember, you will need to wear specially designed safety solar eclipse glasses to avoid damaging your eyes.

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