Live coverage: Bloomington, Indiana's 2024 total solar eclipse
This NASA livestream of the 2024 total solar eclipse will begin broadcasting at 1 p.m. Eastern.
10 a.m.: Light traffic into Bloomington from the south
Traffic on Ind. 446, between U.S. 50 in the south and Ind. 46 in the north was light, even past Cutright and Paynetown State Recreation areas.
Traffic on East Moores Pike and Hillside Road, between Ind. 446 and Walnut Street was lighter than normal, with a few joggers, pedestrians and dog walkers enjoying the relative calm.
Memorial Stadium was empty as soundchecks were performed ahead of today's event featuring William Shatner, Janelle Monae and Mae Jemison. The Hoosier Comic Celebration begins at 1 p.m.
9:30 a.m.: Bloomington streets quiet on what looks to be a beautiful day
Normally busy South Walnut Street was quiet this morning with no school buses or people rushing to work. A handful of cars and a garbage truck were stopped at the intersection of Walnut and Winslow waiting for the light to change. The only sign that today is April 8, when the total solar eclipse will be visible in Bloomington, was a vendor at the Marathon gas station hanging up T-shirts and other eclipse merchandise in his colorful tent.
Some areas outside of Bloomington are already full. A U.S. Forest Service Facebook post from about 9 a.m. this morning said the Grubb Ridge Trailhead parking lot is full and the Hays Trailhead parking lot had only two openings. The Forest Service said all designated campsites on the Charles C. Deam Wilderness peninsula are full. Also the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower is closed as is the Pate Hollow Trail parking lot.
8:30 a.m.: Some residents offer parking, others prefer no stopping
While many Monroe County residents are opening their yards and properties for solar eclipse viewers to park, others are not so anxious to welcome visitors. Some rural landowners along Dittemore Road north of Bloomington have strung caution tape along their property boundaries to keep cars and people out.
Today's weather forecast for Bloomington, Indiana
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis is predicting a high of 74 degrees today and diminishing clouds throughout the day. The eclipse will begin at 1:49 p.m. By the time totality happens in Bloomington at 3:04 p.m., scattered high cirrus clouds will be all that's left.
"These clouds are likely to be thinner, not very opaque, and so it shouldn't completely impact viewing of the eclipse, outside of people just looking for good photography," Aaron Updike, a meteorologist at NWS Indianapolis, told The Herald-Times on Friday.
Traffic conditions into Bloomington, Indiana
So far so good. Google Maps shows light traffic on all roadways into Bloomington. A small amount of congestion is showing near Memorial Stadium where the Hoosier Cosmic Celebration will take place later today.
Coming to Bloomington to witness the eclipse today?
We have some tips for visitors coming into Bloomington today for the eclipse.
More: What are the best places to park in Bloomington during Monday's solar eclipse?
More: Not sure where to go in Bloomington to see the total solar eclipse? Here are some ideas
More: How to get around Bloomington, Indiana, if there are eclipse traffic jams
Where is there to eat in Bloomington today?
Bloomington's favorite food trucks are spread out today at several locations. Here's where you can find them.
Looking for somewhere to eat today? These restaurants are open.
What's closed today in Bloomington for the total solar eclipse
Click here for a list of places that are closed for today's eclipse. Additionally several restaurants and retailers plan to close briefly during the eclipse to allow their employees to witness this special event.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington Indiana 2024 solar eclipse weather, traffic, events today
