How is Ohio keeping residents safe during the eclipse? State officials reveal plans

Laura Morrison
·2 min read

CLEVELAND (WJW) — State officials held a press conference Wednesday to explain how they plan to ensure safety for residents during the total solar eclipse in April.

2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Ohio

The eclipse takes place April 8, when portions of the state will experience complete darkness as they fall within the eclipse’s 124-mile wide path.

Many communities have already warned residents to prepare and/or even stay home the day of the eclipse due to the amount of visitors and travelers expected to be in the area.

“The roads are going to be very busy on the day of the eclipse,” Ohio Department of Transportation NE Ohio Public Information Officer Amanda McFarland said Wednesday.

ODOT expects major traffic jams directly following the eclipse, as everyone will probably want to go home at the same time.

McFarland said that the side of the road is not a good place to view the eclipse unless it is an emergency situation. Drivers who are caught unawares by the eclipse, should find a safe parking lot or area to pull over during the eclipse.

Officials also said that cell service could be spotty the day of the eclipse, and that could include people using their phones for GPS. McFarland suggested even using paper maps as backup.

“I think people should do what their comfortable with to see the eclipse, as Ohio, this is a pretty cool opportunity for us. Get out and enjoy it as safely as possible,” she said.

It’s unclear exactly how many drivers are going to be on the road as predictions keep fluctuating.

ODOT releases total solar eclipse traffic forecasting map

Ohio State Highway Patrol reminded people to “adopt a patient mindset” during the whole long eclipse weekend and to keep their vehicles gassed or charged up. Troopers are planning to be visible and are treating this like a holiday weekend with all hands on deck.

The Ohio Turnpike is also planning on keeping their service plaza food options open longer for the long weekend and they’ll be bringing in extra gas at the gas stations. Work zones are also going to be held to a minimum during that time.

A total solar eclipse hasn’t happened since 1906.

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