Editor's note: This article Dallas Morning News coverage of the 2024 total solar eclipse.Learn more about dallasnews.com/eclipse.
With just one day left until Monday's total solar eclipse, downtown Dallas was buzzing with excitement, crowds of tourists filling the sidewalks and traffic jams on the roads.
Indeed, the time of totality, around 1:40 pm on Monday, is “unlikely” to have the best conditions for viewing the eclipse. But cloud conditions may still allow “partial visibility,” National Weather Service meteorologists said. According to NWS Fort Worth, storms are likely to impact the region after the solar eclipse Monday afternoon.
That didn't faze Linda Cueni, 60, who was dancing on the sidewalk near Main Street Garden on Sunday.
She refused to feel down when she heard the weather news. She traveled with her husband from North Carolina to meet friends of her family in Colorado to watch the eclipse, she said.
“I chose Dallas because I thought the weather would be nice,” Kuehni said with a laugh. “No matter what the weather, we knew we were with good friends.
“And two, Dallas is a great place to visit and just sightsee.”
Several people who spoke to us dallas morning news Tourists in downtown Dallas on Sunday said they noticed an influx of tourists ahead of the celestial event. He also said there was no undue burden due to long lines or traffic congestion. Small business owners said they have noticed a spike in sales due to increased foot traffic in the city.
Sharissa Perry, chief marketing officer for Downtown Dallas, said city officials estimate visitor numbers will be 30% higher than on an average weekend. She said there will be “a lot of free events and watch parties.”
“Downtown Dallas, Inc. is working closely with our partners in the city of Dallas in preparation for tomorrow's total solar eclipse and related events,” Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO of DDI, said in a statement. ” he said. “We are pleased that the Dallas Police Department is allocating more resources to downtown for the many festivals planned and helping us manage the increased traffic.
“As always, DDI security personnel will be on hand and working with law enforcement to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all residents, workers and visitors,” she said.
Dallas police officials announced the department will increase police presence on roads and throughout the city on Monday.
“While the department is working to keep roads and streets safe during the eclipse, the public should be prepared for increased traffic and delays. Traffic will be affected throughout DFW, not just the city of Dallas. may be granted,” the ministry said in a statement.
Hundreds of people were seen at Klyde Warren Park. Mothers tried to argue with their children. People pointed at their phones and asked other eclipse trackers where they could watch this big event.
Enjoying some sun and fun at Klyde Warren Park was James Gordon, a visitor from New York. He said, “We came to Dallas because we were hoping the clouds would clear. We could have gone to Vermont, which is closer to New York.”
Due to crowds, Gordon was unable to get tickets to Fort Worth's Sixth Floor Museum or the Stockyards Rodeo
“We don't know what the weather will be like,” Gordon said. “We came here for Southern hospitality, barbecue, and good Tex-Mex. And we had a great time.”
Jonathan Schuh, who came to Dallas from San Francisco to watch the total solar eclipse, said he didn't experience any major traffic jams. He described which places were crowded, but said he didn't feel like there was a long wait.
At the Dallas Farmers Market, Whiskey Designs owner India Hearn said she had noticed an increase in foot traffic as of Tuesday. “I've talked to people from all over the world, including New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan and Nova Scotia,” she said.
“I thought a lot of people would come to Dallas,” she said. [But] I didn't expect so many people to gather. Sales have increased. ”
“Everyone I've talked to feels like sales are up a little bit this weekend,” she said. On a normal Sunday, there would be far fewer people, she said.
Patrick Doolin, who runs Patrick's Pops ice cream stand in Klyde Warren Park, said sales were up on Sunday, but he expects more people to show up on Monday.
“Sales were up today,” he said. “I think it's mainly because of the weather, but I know it's going to be tough tomorrow.”
“Anything that brings business to Dallas and anything that brings business to Klyde Warren Park is great for us,” he said.
