By Adam Rollins, Record Staff Writer
Local officials and emergency responders are bracing for what could be a major influx of people traveling to see the total solar eclipse Monday, Aug. 21.No one knows quite how many additional people will be traveling within or through Warren County that day, but it could be thousands. The county is just within the path of totality, where the moon will completely block out light from the sun. People driving to be within the relatively narrow path of totality are expected to create heavy traffic congestion.The city of Warrenton will have its athletic complex open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for people in need of a location to view the eclipse. That and other public park space should be more than adequate, Mayor Eric Schleuter said.Warrenton Police Chief Larry Ellard said the traffic problems the day of the eclipse could be comparable to those seen during severe winter weather.“We’re going to treat it like an ice event or a snow event,” Ellard said. “We foresee, if there’s going to be a problem, it’s going to be traffic on (Interstate) 70, which we’ll handle like any other traffic event on 70.”Ellard warned drivers not to pull over to the side of the road to watch the eclipse, and to leave early if they are traveling to see the eclipse.The police department will have a full daytime shift on staff that day, and has been in contact with other local emergency agencies in the weeks leading up to the eclipse, he said.Warrenton Fire Chief Mike Owenby said he is gathering more information before deciding if the fire department needs to have additional personnel on hand the day of the eclipse.“Our biggest problem is going to be traffic, just dealing with the sheer number of people,” Owenby said. “My biggest fear is they’re going to stop right where they’re at, out on (Interstate) 70, and there will be an accident.”Although Owenby said he has heard estimates that thousands of visitors could come through the area, he isn’t sure any local gatherings will be large enough to specifically warrant the presence of emergency personnel. The department will simply be ready to respond to calls as they come up, he said.“We may yet decide to bring some extra staff in,” Owenby added.“I’m waiting on a little more information from our mutual aid partners,” he explained, saying more local firefighters would be put on duty if nearby departments decide to position their trucks farther away than normal.Many local and state organizations are trying to help residents be safe and prepared to travel on the day of the eclipse, and to view the eclipse itself.Scenic Regional Library in Warrenton was offering free “eclipse glasses,” inexpensive pieces of eyeware made of darkened film that makes it safe to look toward the sun. However, the library ran out of its inventory and does not plan to restock. Many local businesses are selling the glasses, but people are warned to only purchase from a trustworthy source and to be wary of fake glasses that do not provide effective eye protection.The Warren County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Tuesday released a series of eclipse-day safe driving tips, adding that drivers in the area should expect heavy traffic on all main roads.“Viewers of the eclipse should leave early for their viewing location, stay put and then leave late to avoid the heavy congestion after the total eclipse,” the EMA stated.Other safe driving tips:• Don’t stop along any roads or park on the shoulder. Exit the road and find a safe place to stop.• Don’t be distracted while driving. Increased traffic will make roadways more dangerous, especially if other people park or walk along the road.• Never take photos while driving.• Don’t wear “eclipse glasses” while driving. They block almost all vision.• Turn on your vehicle’s headlights during the eclipse.• Check traffic conditions using MoDOT’s online traveler map. Be prepared for congestion in the days before and after the eclipse.• In the event of a vehicular crash, move vehicles off the roadway to a safe location.This image, generated by NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio, shows the intensity of the moon's shadow across the U.S. when it passes over the St. Louis area Aug. 21. Only a small band in the very center of the shadow, including Warren County, will experience a total solar eclipse. Submitted image.
