Are We Preparing for a Solar Eclipse or an Apocalypse in Texas?

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Have you seen some of the signs in East Texas popping up reminding residents to get ready for the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024? Are we prepping for a solar eclipse or the apocalypse and what makes this solar eclipse different from the ones we've seen before?

What's different about the solar eclipse happening on April 8, 2024?

The folks at USA Today say the solar eclipse coming up on Monday, April 8, 2024, is different because 'the shadow of the moon will plunge a narrow strip of land into darkness in the middle of the day.' They say this is an extremely rare event and 'an astronomical experience like no other that will be unusually accessible to millions of people.'

Millions of those people they are referring to will be viewing said solar eclipse in Texas, which is in the path of totality. What's totality? Space.com says 'totality' is the area where 'the sun's face will be completely blocked by the moon's shadow.' The path of totality will start in Mexico and extend across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

While I was visiting East Texas over the weekend, I saw this sign on TX 69 at I-20 in Lindale and I don't know about you, it just felt kind of apocalyptical. Am I off base here?

While I was in East Texas, I had the chance to speak to an EMT who said that the Texas Department of Emergency Management had been meeting and preparing for the upcoming total solar eclipse for months. They're projecting that tens of thousands of people will be converging on the area causing traffic tie-ups and congestion and putting a strain on resources. That's why they're suggesting that residents stock up on things like food and fuel and fill prescriptions ahead of time. They even want you to stock up on supplies for your pets. Several schools in Texas have also preemptively canceled classes on April 8th citing safety issues.

In addition, there are warnings the solar eclipse may affect Texas' power grid. The one thing that really piqued my interest though was a comment by the EMT I was speaking with. She said officials are expecting a surge of STDs two weeks after the eclipse, because it'll be the end of the world, right? Folks will use any excuse... While I can't promise anything, I'm pretty sure it's not the end of the world. The Bible says we won't have any warning when it comes to the end of times.

On top of the sign I saw above, there are plenty more all around ETX and even TV commercials urging safety.  The total solar eclipse is expected to be able to be seen in Texas from around 12:10 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. CT on April 8, 2024.

So what do you think? Are officials going too far in making dire predictions about events surrounding the eclipse? Does some of the messaging seem apocalyptical to you, too? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Shoot me a message using our free app or email me at erin.bristol@townsquaremedia.com.

Regardless of your thoughts on the subject, here are some safety guidelines from the State of Texas:

On April 8, 2024, the moon will pass over the sun in Texas from 1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Follow these safety tips to ensure a safe viewing experience:

• 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.

The next total solar eclipse will not happen in North America until the year 2044.