Dallas — The total solar eclipse is T-6 days away, but Dallas city leaders said Tuesday they are ready. They expect Dallas to be very crowded starting Friday. They want residents to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime event by stocking up on glasses, being prepared and being patient.
Showtime is next Monday from 1:40 to 1:44 p.m., but Dallas leaders expect the city to be packed throughout the weekend. They said Dallas hotels were 99% full and the city could see hundreds of thousands of tourists.
“The number one thing I want people to know is that they need to plan what they're going to do that day. Even if you're not going out to enjoy the eclipse, if you are out that day, “There could be traffic issues,” said Travis Houston, director of the Office of Emergency Management.
With traffic congestion a top concern, authorities are asking residents to stay off the roads if possible on Monday. If you must drive, he urged people to make sure their tank is full of gas and to avoid stopping in the middle of roads or highways to watch the eclipse.
“We need to ensure that first responders are able to respond to emergencies and rush to local hospitals,” said Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia. “Our priority is the safety of people on our roads and across the city for this event, as well as those who may be seeking help at this time.”
“It's great to have everyone together, but it's going to add a stress factor to our system,” said City Councilman Gay Donnell Willis.
Chief Garcia said he plans to have more emergency responders on the streets and has canceled discretionary leave to prepare. The city's emergency response center will be operational, closely monitoring the weather and utilizing outdoor warning systems as needed. They want residents and visitors to enjoy a historic day, but safely.
“So plan ahead where you're going and be prepared to arrive early and stay late,” Houston says.
The city's Department of Health also announced that there would be no collection on Monday. He will be one day late for all garbage and recycling collection next week.
