Live updates: Everything you need to know for today’s solar eclipse
The big day has finally arrived − the 2024 solar eclipse will draw millions to look skyward. Thousands have traveled to see it, some even crossing oceans just to catch a glimpse.
So, what final details should you remember as you enjoy the celestial event? Take a look.
Check back throughout the day for live updates from Austin and statewide:
11:17 a.m.: An estimated 40% of camp sites at Pace Bend Park in Spicewood are unoccupied
Out at Pace Bend Park in Spicewood, there are clouds and campers and also several unoccupied camping sites. Every site that's unoccupied has a Reserved tag on it. It was the same story on Sunday. Where are the campers? Where are the eclipsers?
The primitive corner of Pace Bend's campground is between half- and three-fourths filled. Perhaps it is the threat of clouds, and possibly even rain, during today's eclipse that's keeping the campers away: Pace Bend's sites are all reserved, a camp employee said, but she estimated that 40% of the reserved sites are currently unoccupied.
"Let's manifest sunlight," said one camper earlier this morning.
11:09 a.m.: Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet canceled due to potential severe weather
The Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet is ending a day early on Monday due to possible severe weather, including risks of tornadic activity, thunderstorms and large hail, the festival said in online posts.
Festival organizers urged attendees to leave early for safety and to beat traffic. Organizers agreed to end the festival in coordination with Burnet County officials, local safety agencies and the National Weather Service, according to the festival’s website.
All programming and performances for Monday and Tuesday are canceled. No additional guests will be allowed to enter the venue, and inbound shuttles to the venue are canceled. More information.
10:47 a.m.: Crowds are sparser than expected at the bat bridge
Matt Langbehn, from Round Rock, is the first to set up camp near the South Congress bat bridge in Austin. Langbehn said he arrived at 4 a.m. because of expected crowds, but as of 10:40 he was still the lone individual on the hill.
"I wake up early anyway," Langbehn said, undeterred.
"It's been a beautiful day," he added.
10:19 a.m.: Need a professional photo of the eclipse? We've got you
These days, we all walk around with powerful cameras in our pockets. But if you're trying to record the eclipse with your smart phone, you should use a solar filter (except when the eclipse has reached full totality). And honestly, capturing the majesty of an event like the eclipse is a job for the pros.
After the eclipse, we'll have posters and framed prints from Statesman photojournalists available at usatodaystore.com.
9:55 a.m.: Track flight delays
Click here to see flight delay information provided by the Federal Aviation Association.
9:46 a.m.: When do I need to wear eclipse glasses?
Solar eclipse weather forecast in Texas
It remains likely that clouds will impede viewing in Texas of this afternoon's total solar eclipse.
According to the respective National Weather Service offices, forecasts indicate cloudy weather in Austin-San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth — the regions in Texas where the total eclipse will be most prominent — during the astronomical event with possible severe thunderstorms for hours immediately following.
Weather forecast: Clouds likely to rain on the solar eclipse parade across Texas on Monday, NWS says
[4/7/2024]
Updated Key Messages for tomorrow's total solar eclipse and cloud cover forecast are available. High clouds spanning across parts of the totality path are likely, but may not completely obscure the eclipse. For local forecasts visit https://t.co/pGx1JRZLBI. pic.twitter.com/d4JgEXorsF— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) April 7, 2024
Despite the predicted cloud cover, Bill Nye assures us that Texans will still be able to view the solar eclipse.
More: Bill Nye told us what's going to happen if it's cloudy during total solar eclipse in Texas
Am I in the path of totality?
What time is the eclipse in my area?
Eclipse partiality will begin a little after noon. Totality will start around 1:40 p.m. CST.
Del Rio: 12:11 p.m. to 2:51 p.m., with totality from 1:28 p.m. to 1:31 p.m.
San Antonio: 12:14 p.m. to 2:55 p.m., with totality from 1:33 p.m. to 1:34 p.m.
Austin: 12:17 p.m. to 2:58 p.m., with totality from 1:35 p.m. to 1:38 p.m.
Dallas: 12:23 p.m. to 3:02 p.m., with totality from 1:40 p.m. to 1:44 p.m.
Texarkana: 12:28 p.m. to 3:07 p.m., with totality from 1:46 p.m. to 1:49 p.m.
Enter your ZIP code below to see how the eclipse will look in your area and what time you should expect to see totality.
Can't see graphics? Search your ZIP code for a complete eclipse viewing guide
What time is the eclipse across the US?
Solar eclipse map: Path of totality in Texas
The map below is based on data from NASA, NOAA and the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies to show eclipse times, peak sun coverage and likely levels of cloudiness during the solar eclipse April 8.
'New' path of totality map: More parts of Texas will get to see the solar eclipse
Where can I get solar eclipse glasses near me?
Solar eclipse enthusiasts have little time left to get their hands on safe viewing glasses before the celestial phenomenon Monday.
The Statesman turned to the experts at the American Astronomical Society for information on safe eclipse viewing glasses. These retailers, and others, are on their approved list:
Walmart: Prices start at $9.99. They're available to snag online.
Lowe's: Eclipse glasses are available in-store only.
The Home Depot: Sells eclipse glasses, but its stock is very limited and may no longer be available.
Staples: Purchase a 50-pack of eclipse glasses for $149.50 online.
More local stores: Buc-ee's, Cracker Barrel and Kroger.
Is your local store out of glasses? Check out this map of stores by Linq that still have them in stock
When buying eclipse viewing glasses, make sure they are certified by the International Organization for Standardization and have the "ISO" icon. The glasses should also have the ISO reference number: 12312-2.
Solar eclipse road closures in Texas
Roads are expected to have 30% more drivers than usual today and tomorrow, according to CBS News. Traffic will also be more congested in the path of totality and surrounding areas.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has banned overweight and/or oversized loads from a large swath of highways today.
Despite some anxiety regarding the implications of the road ban, the department assures this will not affect major transportation such as grocery distribution and mail delivery.
"Route restrictions are a regular part of the oversize/overweight permitting process for various reasons," a DMV spokesperson told MySA. "But a total eclipse is, of course, not a common reason."
The Texas Department of Transportation has also been proactive in making roads as safe as possible.
"Solar eclipse Monday, delays possible," TxDOT's electronic billboards read. "Arrive early, stay put, leave late."
People are also reading: Driving to see the solar eclipse? These Texas roads may see the most traffic
Click here to see TxDOT's total guide for Texas eclipse travel.
The department has also shared the following safe driving tips:
Expect heavy traffic in the days before and during the solar eclipse.
Plan to leave early and stay late. Use DriveTexas.org to see live traffic conditions.
Do not park in the middle of roads or on road shoulders. Find a safe place to park to view the eclipse.
Keep your headlights on, even in daylight.
Do not wear eclipse viewing glasses while driving.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Solar eclipse live updates: See latest weather, what time it starts
