As the area prepares for the upcoming Solar Eclipse Monday, Some are wondering exactly how long the historic event will take.
The answer varies by location, but Arkansans and visitors in the path of totality will begin to see the effects of the eclipse as early as 12:27 p.m. when the partial eclipse begins. Totality is set to take place at 1:45 p.m. and end by 2 p.m. with the end of the partial at 3:16 p.m.
The last time a total eclipse occurred in Arkansas was more than 100 years ago in 1918. The next total solar eclipse viewable in Arkansas will not be until 2045.
Monday, the path of totality will span over 100 miles across the state and will cover 53 of Arkansas’ 75 counties. For those wondering exactly how long the path of totality will be, according to eclipse2024.org… In Izard County totality will last for 4 minutes and 13 seconds; Sharp County will experience 4 minutes and 12 seconds, Fulton County 3 minutes 57 seconds, Randolph County 3 minutes 44 seconds, Stone County 4 minutes and 13 seconds; Independence County 4 minutes and 1 second; Baxter County 3 minutes 11 seconds and Lawrence County 4 minutes 3 seconds.
The Arkansas House of Representatives estimates 1.5 million tourists to visit The Natural State for the celestial event.
Arkansans are encouraged to get prepared before the eclipse and the traffic it may bring arrives.
Some tips for preparedness include: ensuring you have enough food on hand for a few days, make sure your vehicles are full of fuel and your medications are filled if you are close to needing them.
There is a possibility deliveries may be delayed due to traffic and the volume of visitors may deplete store shelves.
If you plan to travel, leave plenty of time and factor in the likelihood of traffic congestion. Have a communication plan with your family, a large influx of visitors may mean compromised cell service.
Be prepared for delays and the possibility of traffic stopping abruptly as visitors navigate their way to their accommodations.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
