(NewsNation) — Several states are preparing for massive tourism numbers as Americans travel to witness the solar eclipse on Monday.
Monday’s total solar eclipse will make landfall along Mexico’s Pacific coast and cross into Texas and 14 other U.S. states, before exiting over Canada.
Texas is expecting as many as 1 million visitors, which could cause some issues on the roads. The Texas Highway Patrol says even major routes like I-35 could be clogged or gridlocked over the weekend and just after the eclipse.
At least eight counties across Texas have issued disaster declarations, allowing authorities to call in extra resources in anticipation of high travel numbers. This will include extra people, vehicles and technology to help support the number of cell phones that will be in use.
Authorities in Dallas, one of the biggest cities in the path of totality, say they have been preparing for the eclipse tourism for over a year. Hotels in the central business district are completely sold out and the car rental company Hertz says reservations are up six times compared to last year.
Many of the Americans traveling for the 2024 solar eclipse witnessed the one in 2017, and they are hoping the weather cooperates.
“It was the best moment in my life. I mean, I know that sounds really extreme, but I remember the feeling,” said Asha Patki, who plans to travel to Texas for the eclipse.
“We’re gonna get in the car and we’re hoping the weather’s good but if it’s cloudy, we’re just gonna have to drive around and find clear skies,” said Ashley Schindewolf, who traveled to Arkansas.
Officials say people who live in the path of totality might want to stay home, and stock up on gas and groceries to avoid having to face the crowds and traffic.
The moon will shroud the sun for up to 4 minutes, 28 seconds, a spectacle normally unfolding in remote corners of the globe but this time passing over major cities like Dallas, Indianapolis and Cleveland. An estimated 44 million people live within the path of totality, with another couple hundred million within 200 miles (320 kilometers), guaranteeing the continent’s biggest eclipse crowd ever.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
