[MCARC] Solar eclipse path on August 21

[Kenneth Kopp]

The upcoming solar eclipse—the first in 99 years to sweep across the
continental United States—has so many fans that disaster-level
preparations are being put in place because of the large number of
travelers predicted to jockey for prime viewing spots. As many as 7.4
million people are expected to pack into a 70-mile-wide band across
the U.S. to watch the moon’s umbra block out the sun for a two-minute
window on Aug. 21.  Once visitors arrive, they’ll need water, lodging
and restrooms.  Preparations resemble that for a blizzard or
“everything from St. Patrick’s Day parade to a World Series
celebration,” says Chris Hernandez, city spokesman for Kansas City,
one of the larger metro areas in the path of the eclipse.  All of
those visitors are expected to clog interstates, along with state and
local roads, for days before and after the eclipse, much like the rush
during emergency evacuations, says Brad Kieserman, vice president of
disaster operations and logistics for the American Red Cross. Atchison
Public Schools has announced schools will be closed that day, due to
increasing numbers of visitors and potential traffic issues.  The
district made the decision after and conferring with city and EMS
officials.  A public water supplier in South Carolina plans to send
out trucks to frequently refill planned water stations.  There are
also concerns about communications.  All four nationwide carriers —
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint — are addressing the problem by
rolling out surge capacity.

http://www.newsweek.com/solar-eclipse-space-national-disaster-solar-eclipse-prep-643766

On 8/12/17, Nate Bargmann <n0nb at n0nb.us> wrote:
> Lucky for us, northern Marshall and northeast Washington counties are in
> the path of totality:
>
> http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2017_GoogleMapFull.html
>
> You'll have to zoom in to our area.  Be aware that this is an estimate
> and the actual path could vary a half mile or so either way.
>
> Talking to Shawn, KC0SWG, in Beatrice yesterday and he said that
> Beatrice is warning residents to stock up on food and necessities this
> coming week and advises against travel on the 21st!  You'd think it was
> a hurricane or blizzard coming to the area.  Nebraska estimates nearly a
> half million people will travel to the state for the eclipse.
>
> I was able to get some eye protection at Walmart in Fairbury this past
> week.  Matt says Marysville Walmart is sold out and won't be getting any
> more and ordered some from Idnetiteez (sp?) that should be in this
> coming week.  How many extra they'll have, I don't know.
>
> 73, Nate
>
> --
>
> "The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
> possible worlds.  The pessimist fears this is true."
>
> Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us
>