Ohio prepares for a total solar eclipse on April 8, expecting 500,000 visitors and activating emergency measures.
Ohio is preparing for a total solar eclipse on April 8, expecting up to 500,000 visitors due to its direct path. Governor Mike DeWine has activated the Ohio Emergency Operations Center to help communities navigate potential issues. The National Guard is on standby, and the Department of Natural Resources is preparing for a major fireworks display-like event at state parks and wildlife areas. The Ohio Department of Transportation is suspending highway construction projects to accommodate traffic. Officials advise travelers to bring extra snacks, water, phone chargers, and paper road maps in case of cell service disruptions, and to delay trips home for several hours after the eclipse to allow crowds and traffic to dissipate.