PREBLE COUNTY – One of the topics discussed most in preparations for the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, is the number of visitors who may make their way into the area in search of a good vantage point to view the totality.
With that in mind, the Ohio Department of Transportation has created a series of eclipse traffic forecasting maps showing where traffic may want to travel on Ohio’s state highway system to view the solar eclipse. These interactive maps can be seen at https://tinyurl.com/nbva3wfb.
According to the site, traffic estimates have been compiled for four scenarios, based on the number of people visiting Ohio to view the eclipse. Scenario 1 estimates 150,000 visitors. Scenario 2 estimates 350,000 visitors. Scenario 3 estimates 575,000 visitors. Scenario 4 estimates 575,000 visitors. You can select the various scenarios and check out three maps for each one:
•The Daily Percentage Change map shows estimated percent increase on the day of the eclipse, and highlights areas where the road’s best capacity may be exceeded during any hour of the day.
•The Compare Daily Volumes map shows the volume to capacity ratio values for a normal 24-hour period compared to eclipse estimates, using the swipe tool. Daily Volumes are ODOT’s estimate of the traffic that is using the highway segment on a typical day.
•The View Hourly Volumes map animates how traffic will change throughout the day, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Use the time slider tool to automatically play or manually slide hour by hour.
How many visitors will come to Preble County is yet to be seen, but local officials continue to prepare for the population to potentially double (over 40,000-plus) and the issues which may come with that influx of people.
Among the helpful tips provided by the Preble County Emergency Management Agency are some for those potential visitors to take into consideration while they are visiting our communities for eclipse viewing events and other activities surrounding them.
Along with the reminders about the use of proper (ISO 12312-2) eclipse viewing glasses and other safety tips, visitors are reminded:
•Traffic can become congested, especially right after the eclipse. Consider limiting or delaying travel even for just a few hours. If necessary, consider avoiding major interstates or highways.
•Consider packing/traveling with essential items and an emergency kit.
Other things to consider:
•Gas, food, and water — supplies may be limited due to high demand. Things may not be available. Get it early if possible.
•Cash — If the internet gets disrupted, credit card machines may be down. Consider getting cash ahead of time.
•911 — Know when is appropriate to dial 911 (true emergencies). If a non-emergency, contact the non-emergency number at: 937-456-6262.
•Cellular service – Cell service could get overwhelmed (especially Monday April 8.) Consider how to operate if cell service goes down.
•Leave No Trace©: Protect our natural community. Seven principles to consider — plan ahead and prepare, dispose of waste properly, respect wildlife, be considerate of others.
For more information about eclipse-related activities and events which are planned across Preble County, or safety and other information, visit www.visitpreblecounty.org and https://ema.ohio.gov/media-publications/ohio-total-solar-eclipse.
