SMITH COUNTY, Texas — Portions of East Texas is set to be in the solar eclipse's path of totality on April 8. Before then, emergency officials are advising locals to prepare for the influx of visitors the state is expecting.
"This is a really exciting event, but it’s one where we want to remind folks to be safe," said AAA spokesperson Daniel Armbruster.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected flock to the Lone Star State. According to Visit Tyler, 100,000 people are expected to be in the Rose City, doubling the population of Tyler.
"You can expect visitors probably a day or two before the eclipse. Anticipate heavy congestion especially on the interstates in the path on that day and even before so," Armbruster said.
Armbruster also recommends printing out maps if people traveling to areas that have bad cell service.
"It’s important to have a back-up plan so having a printed map is a good idea," Armbruster said.
Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore is also excited about the eclipse.
"I mean for most people this is a once in a lifetime event," Moore said. "We are expecting a shortage of fuel because of all the increased (amount of) people."
The county's emergency response center will be open on April 8 with increased staff. Despite the extra help, Moore said response times from first responders could still be delayed.
"With increased traffic, ... we’re really worried about major thoroughfares like I-20. We can’t levitate and put an ambulance or a firetruck where it needs to be so we’ve got apps and software that will help us navigate around traffic," Moore said.
Armbruster also recommended having an emergency roadside kit with the following: flashlights, a first aid kit, traffic flares and a phone charger. He added drivers should be on the lookout for pedestrians and spectators.
For those driving as the eclipse happens, Moore recommended pulling over to a safe location to view it with proper eyewear. Something else to keep in mind and on hand is cash as a form of payment in case tap to pay or ATMs are down.