ASHLAND — Ashland emergency planners are preparing for a solar eclipse that will make the area go dark for about three minutes on April 8, 2024.
Officials estimate up to 150,000 visitors could travel to Ashland County on that date, according to a power-point presentation prepared in partnership with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.
The Ohio EMA, on its dedicated website for the eclipse, said the astronomical event is rare, happening “somewhere on Earth only once ever 1.5 years.”
“Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states in the entire existence of the United States,” reads the website.
The last total solar eclipse that was visible in Ohio happened in 1806, according to Ohio EMA. The next one isn’t scheduled to happen until 2099.
Officials from Ashland’s Local Emergency Planning Committee gathered early on Dec. 20 for a regular meeting. One of the topics of discussion included the solar eclipse.
EMA Director Anne Strouth said officials have created a sub-committee to plan ahead for the expected swell in population to the area.
Ashland County is one of 26 counties in Ohio that are in the line of “totality.” That means the moon’s disk will be completely covering the sun’s face, according to the American Astronomical Society.
Strouth referenced the power-point presentation below. It outlines the agency’s concerns for April 8, including the possibility of limited parking, congested streets, long lines at stores and gas stations.
It also encourages people to reschedule appointments slated for that day.
Ashland City Schools will cancel class that day, but Ashland University will operate as normal, Strouth said.
For more information on Ohio’s total solar eclipse, visit the dedicated website.