Wayne County continues to prepare for eclipse

Wayne County is continuing to prepare for a large number of people to visit the area on April 8 when the solar eclipse takes place.

According to Wayne County Emergency Management Agency Director Barb Pittard, the number of visitors coming into Ohio was initially projected to be very high, partly based on the number of people who visited Tennessee for the 2017 eclipse. As new information has been incorporated into planning, current estimates for total visitors to the Buckeye State now range from 125,000-500,000.

“The 2017 eclipse for this region had only one metro area that was in the path of totality — Nashville (Tennessee),” Pittard said. “People tend to go where infrastructure already exists to accommodate crowds, so many converged on Nashville, creating an enormous amount of traffic. This year many metropolitan areas such as Indianapolis, Little Rock, Buffalo, Dallas and so forth lie on the path of totality and will share sightseers.”

While the number of visitors may be less than initially expected, officials urge residents to be prepared for the possibility of increased traffic. Local law enforcement remains concerned that drivers may be distracted by the eclipse while on the road.

Residents should be aware of the possibility of distracted drivers, especially from 1:58-4:28 p.m. when the partial eclipse begins. The eclipse will reach totality at approximately 3:14 p.m. when, weather permitting, the sun will be blocked by the moon’s shadow for two to three minutes, depending on where the eclipse is being viewed in Wayne County.

With any large influx of people into a concentrated area, the increased demand for wireless networks may result in delayed or dropped cellphone calls. Texting may be a better option if this happens. Cell companies recommend users access secure Wi-Fi networks if available.

“On the weekend of April 6-8, some downtown Wooster hotels are fully booked or close to it,” said Tom Brennan of Wayne County Emergency Management Agency. “We cannot rule out the possibility of visitors coming to Wayne County, even if we anticipate less than originally thought.”

Brennan also urged people who plan to watch the event to protect their vision. He recommends those who plan to view the eclipse obtain the correct eye protection.

He said the eclipse should only be viewed through international ISO 12312-2 rated eye protection. Do not look at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses. The concentrated solar rays can burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury, and purchasing eclipse glasses early is recommended.

In addition to strained cellular connections, other impacts may include staffing shortages, child care shortages for working parents, mail and delivery delays, and increased traffic.

The National Weather Service has provided historical data on April 8 for the past 24 years, which shows there is about a 75% chance the skies will be overcast or have scattered or broken clouds.

“The 2017 eclipse occurred in August, so the chances of seeing it were much better. We will hope for good weather on April 8 and enjoy this rare experience,” Pittard said.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.