“Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best”: Nebraska Agencies Discuss Eclipse Preparation

Nebraska state agencies are preparing for the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse. At a news conference Monday morning, Gov. Pete Ricketts said it could be the biggest event in Nebraska history, based on estimates of 100,000 to 400,000 visitors.

But because of a wide range of concerns Nebraska will activate its State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) that day. It’s the same facility and process normally used for incidents like weather disasters.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency operations manager Earl Imler said they’re preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. “Local emergency managers will get support or assistance from the SEOC if a situation arises in their area of the state,” Imler said. “Among our chief concerns are the potential for fire due to the dry conditions. Increased motorists trying to get the best view possible of the eclipse. And encouraging eclipse viewers to plan ahead so they will have what they need to safely view the event.”

Imler said that includes having a full tank of gas and drinking water, but also being ready for heavy traffic and congestion on roads.

The state Department of Transportation will monitor traffic, especially on Interstate 80, and is already postponing some planned road maintenance scheduled for the day of the eclipse.

“As Nebraska is a prime viewing location, we all anticipate large crowds, which may cause heavy traffic on Nebraska interstates and highways the day of the solar eclipse. As many local communities have planned weekend events, large crowds may be possible over the weekend leading up to the actual day of the eclipse,” Department of Transportation Director Kyle Schneweis said. “If you are interested in seeing the eclipse, we recommend planning well in advance so you can avoid the anticipated traffic.”

The Department of Transportation’s driving tips for the day of the eclipse include:

• Don’t stop along the interstate or park on the shoulder during the event.
• Exit the highway to a safe location to view and/or photograph the eclipse.
• Don’t take photographs while driving.
• Don’t try to wear opaque eclipse glasses while operating a vehicle.
• Manually turn your headlights on. Do not rely on your automatic headlights when the eclipse blocks out the sun.
• Watch out for pedestrians along smaller roads. People may be randomly parking and walking alongside the roadside in the hours around the eclipse to get the best view.
• Prepare for extra congestion, especially on the interstates in the eclipse’s path, on the day before, day of, and day after the eclipse.
• Check traffic conditions on www.511.nebraska.gov or through the Nebraska 511 app available for download for Android and Apple devices.

The Nebraska State Patrol will have additional troopers working around the eclipse, paid for in part by a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office, and will monitor traffic from three aircraft operating during the eclipse. “With high visibility patrols and more troopers on the road throughout the state, NSP will partner with other state agencies and the public to keep Nebraska roads safe," said Major Russ Stanczyk, acting superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.

“We are excited to welcome visitors from around the globe to beautiful Nebraska to witness this rare phenomenon as it crosses our great state,” Ricketts said. “The wide open spaces of Nebraska offer great viewing locations. We invite visitors to come to Nebraska and make a weekend of the event by visiting communities across the state which are hosting great events.”