Solar Eclipse in the Big Country: What to know about events, traffic & more

Shelly Womack
·2 min read
Solar Eclipse in the Big Country: What to know about events, traffic & more

BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – On April 8th, 2024, Texas will experience a rare celestial event – a full solar eclipse. This will be the first time the area will witness such an event since 1878. However, with this exciting opportunity comes a few things to consider before planning to view the eclipse, such as traffic, events, and other details. Here’s what to know if you plan to watch the eclipse in the Big Country.

The majority of the Big Country lies just to the north of the total path of the eclipse trajectory. However, the southernmost parts of the Big Country may witness a total to near-total eclipse. According to Meteorologist Darrius Stringer, the Big Country is expected to experience approximately 96.6% of the eclipse, with the peak occurring at about 1:37 p.m. on April 8th.

Meteorologist Pete Beretta recommends checking the weather as there is a potential for cloud coverage. To view the latest conditions, please visit our weather page. In the meantime, let’s hope for a sunny day!

Fill up your gas tank and prepare to wait. Some tips to prepare for April’s total solar eclipse

EVENTS

Despite the Big Country not having a 100% eclipse viewing, some local events have been organized:

Eclipse Day Party
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Jolly’s Scoops – 312 North 1st Street

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Grace Museum Rooftop – 102 Cypress Street

Eclipse Watch Party
Beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Abilene South Branch Library – 4310 Buffalo Gap Road

Total Eclipse of the Chart – Abilene Philharmonic
Beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Abilene Convention Center – 1100 North 6th Street

Editor’s note: If you know of an event that you want to be included in this article, click here to email the details

TRAFFIC

Due to the expected increase in traffic, the Texas Department of Transportation has set travel restrictions in many counties, including Coleman, Brown, and Comanche counties.

On April 8th, no size/weight permitted travel will be allowed in the following counties:

Anderson, Atascosa, Bandera, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Bosque, Bowie, Brown, Burnet, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Coleman, Collin, Comal, Comanche, Coryell, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Dimmit, Edwards, Ellis, Erath, Falls, Fannin, Franklin, Freestone, Frio, Gillespie, Grayson, Gregg, Hamilton, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hopkins, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lamar, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, Llano, Marion, Mason, Maverick, McLennan, McCulloch, Medina, Menard, Milam, Mills, Morris, Navarro, Parker, Rains, Real, Red River, Robertson, Rockwall, San Saba, Smith, Somervell, Sutton, Tarrant, Titus, Travis, Upshur, Uvalde, Val Verde, Van Zandt, Williamson, Wood, and Zavala.

Looking at a solar eclipse can be dangerous without eclipse glasses. Here’s what to know

SAFETY

To ensure a safe viewing experience, TxDOT shared the following safety tips:

  • Expect heavy traffic and sudden stops by drivers.

  • Be on alert for distracted pedestrians looking to the sky.

  • Keep your headlights on while driving, even in the daylight.

  • Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving.

  • Always keep your eyes on the road. Only view the eclipse once safely parked away from the flow of traffic.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.