States Warn People to Stock Up on Food, Water, and Fuel Before Solar Eclipse

Most people have heard of an eclipse taking place on April 8, 2024. Although an eclipse happens every 18 months or so, it’s rare that they’re visible for anyone not directly on the equator. Seeing as this one will be visible to numerous states in the U.S., officials have released a warning.

Eclipse Warning Issued

Officials are recommending stocking up on food, gas, water, and other essentials prior to the eclipse taking place. The reason for this suggestion is that countless people are planning to head to where the eclipse will be visible. As a result, officials are worried that the added population will put a strain on certain resources. Alarmingly, this includes hospitals and roadways.

When referring to an eclipse, the term ‘path of totality’ means an area that is fully covered by the moon. On the other hand, a partial eclipse, likely visible to the rest of the U.S., happens when the moon and sun aren’t perfectly aligned. The path of totality for the April 8th eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean, heading to Mexico and moving up through Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas, Vermont, New Hampshire, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine.

Traveling to View

Only 4 of the 12 states have issued warnings to their citizens regarding the early preparation for the eclipse. Texas, has issued a warning that residents should stock up on food and gas, get their prescriptions filled, and stock up on pet supplies days before the eclipse is set to take place.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s also accounts for possible travel delays, “Oklahoma is expected to receive an influx of anywhere from 17,000 to 66,000 visitors to watch the solar eclipse,” according to an Oklahoma government webpage. “The large influx of visitors to southeastern Oklahoma could overwhelm and backup the area’s road systems.” To help tackle some of these unexpected delays, the website suggests a few things for residents as well as visitors. In addition to getting errands like groceries, prescription refills, and pet food out of the way, residents and visitors should also have a reliable form of communication other than a cell phone. And visitors should check the weather conditions in advance, coming prepared.

Ohio and Indiana have also been issued eclipse warnings with Indiana expected to see around 100 million visitors hoping to catch an unobstructed view of the total eclipse. Although the other 8 states haven’t been issued the same warning they’re taking their own precautions. Many states have plans to close schools and hopes that people will “stay in one place” when possible so as to avoid the added pedestrian and vehicle traffic.