As the path of totality for the April 8, 2024 eclipse approaches, its important to understand the potential impacts to your business, especially those businesses located within the path of totality. Here in Ohio, we haven’t experienced a total solar eclipse since 1806 and won’t again until 2099. Truly a once in a lifetime event.
For months now there have been articles circulating on the internet and I know some of you have looked on them as hype. And maybe some of them are exaggerated but understand that these are based on experiences from previous eclipses in other areas. So there are some truths buried in the hype.
I wanted to share some information I received so that you can decide for yourself if your business may be impacted and how to prepare.
The path of totality is a narrow swath in which the eclipse will be seen at 100%. Outside of that band, the moon will not completely cover the sun. This makes it a very popular area to be. You can visit the National Solar Observatory site for more information on the path and timing: https://nso.edu/for-public/eclipse-map-2024/
This information I received is from a county smack dab in the middle of the path of totality here in Ohio. Some of the other cities in my area of impact are Cleveland. Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron and Toledo.
Based on discussions with other nearby counties that have experienced a full solar eclipse in the past, these are the expectations. It is fair to say that this will most likely be widespread through out our area and others also in the path throughout the US.
- Roughly 100, 00 visitors are expected to move into the county beginning Saturday, April 6 with the heavier traffic starting Sunday afternoon.
- Roadways are expected to be jammed beginning Sunday evening, lasting through Monday midnight.
- Cell service is expected to be useless beginning that same time frame. Some areas may receive additional towers but this particular one is not expected to.
We have also been told that internet outages or service degradation (ie slowness and lag) may also occur due to the shear volume of users.
I work with many small municipalities and some of them are planning on closing their offices for the day. So you may want to check in with yours.
I can tell you first hand, that all the campgrounds in my neck of the woods are sold out for that weekend. So there will definitely be more people in the area.
Other sources are expecting food and gas shortages. These will most likely be temporary but something to consider and plan for. Do your grocery shopping early and gas up before the rush.
So look at the schedules for your business, your employees, and talk to your clients to ensure that you minimize potential impacts and keep safety foremost in your mind. I hope this information helps you prepare for what should be a spectacular show.
Don’t forget your viewing glasses. You shouldn’t look at an eclipse without protective eye ware.
