BELTON, Texas — A Central Texas county a little less than an hour north of Austin has issued a local disaster declaration ahead of the April 8 total solar eclipse. 

What You Need To Know

  • Bell County officials said they issued the disaster declaration because they are predicting that their population will double in the days ahead of April 8

  • The county is predicting extreme traffic congestion, a strain on first responders and hospitals and grocery and fuel shortages in the days leading up to the eclipse

  • A large portion of Texas, from Eagle Pass to Texarkana, is in the path of totality that goes across the Midwest all the way up to Maine

  • Major cities such as Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo will all be within the path

Bell County officials said they issued the because they are predicting that their population will double in the days ahead of April 8, which could lead to “extreme traffic congestion, strains of first responders, hospitals, food, grocery and fuel shortages, along with local infrastructure.”

Bell County is home to 400,000 Texans and contains the cities of Temple, Belton and Killeen. 

“In order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of both residents and visitors, Bell County has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken in the form of a local disaster declaration,” a news release from the county said. 

The county gave some tips for residents to bear in mind from April 5-8. 

  • Stay home and avoid driving if you can.
  • Expect travel delays and be prepared to take alternate routes.
  • Do not stop on the side of the road to view the eclipse.
  • Fuel up vehicles before the event, on or before April 4.
  • Purchase groceries and supplies in advance, on or before April 4.
  • Refill prescriptions in advance, on or before April 4.
  • Be prepared for cellular reception to be intermittent or interrupted.

Part of the declaration includes a requirement for people hosting eclipse viewing parties of 50 or more people to register with the county. Officials have created a form for people to register. 

A large portion of Texas from Eagle Pass to Texarkana is in the path of totality that goes across the Midwest all the way up to Maine. Major cities like Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo will all be within the path. 

The last total solar eclipse that was visible in North America was in 2017, and this will be the last one until 2044.