Williamson County not issuing disaster declaration for eclipse, but says officials ready

Unlike some neighboring counties, Williamson County doesn't plan to issue a disaster declaration for the solar eclipse on April 8.

"Emergency service directors have discussed that at this time it's not necessary," said Shantelle Brannon, the interim director for the county's emergency services office. "Nothing in the data shows us a reason for us to put certain emergency measures in place."

Brannon said the county's emergency operations center will be open on April 8. That means representatives from 30 agencies will be in one room available to talk to each other and deploy resources in case something happens, Brannon said.

A disaster declaration would allow the county to take certain measures, including closing roads or enacting curfews.

Officials in Travis County have issued an emergency declaration requiring people planning gatherings of 50 or more people to register for the gathering. County Judge Andy Brown has estimated the eclipse could bring an extra 1 million people to the area.

More: Travis County issues disaster declaration ahead of April 8 total solar eclipse

The influx of people is expected to increase traffic and put a strain on first responders, Travis County officials have said. They are asking people to prepare by going shopping and getting gas before the event. Burnet County also has issued a disaster declaration.

Williamson County officials have asked cities for estimates of how much their population might swell for the event but have not received answers yet, Brannon said. She said she would probably know more about how many people might pour into the county after April 1.

More: Austin will be cast in complete darkness by total solar eclipse in April. What we know.

The number of hotel rooms in the county includes 4,447 in Round Rock, 1,200 in Cedar Park and 930 in Georgetown, Brannon said.

The eclipse can be seen in Williamson County between 12:18 p.m. to 2:58 p.m. on April 8, with maximum totality at 1:37 p.m., according to the county's website. Totality is the stage of the eclipse when the moon completely blocks the sun.

Totality is supposed to be the richest in the western part of the county, Brannon said. Three school districts — Liberty Hill, Florence and Jarrell — will be closed on April 8. The Leander school district will remain open on the day of the eclipse.

Campgrounds filling up for total solar eclipse

Williamson County spokeswoman Connie Odom said campground reservations are filling up.

Camping is full at River Ranch County Park in Liberty Hill, she said. The park at 194 Reveille Way is not accepting reservations for day use but will accept visitors until it reaches capacity, which is about 300 vehicles. Friends of River Ranch, a group of volunteers who support the park, is hosting an eclipse viewing party starting at 11:30 a.m. April 8 at the park's interpretative center. Participants need to pay park admission fees.

Reservations for RV camping are still available at the Williamson County Exposition Center at 5350 Bill Pickett Trail in Taylor but are filling up fast, Odom said.

People can also view the eclipse at Champion Park at 3830 Brushy Creek Road in Cedar Park and at Twin Lakes Park at 204 East Little Elm Trail in Cedar Park.

Berry Springs Park and Preserve in Georgetown does not have camping available due to construction, Odom said. Southwest Williamson County Regional Park is closed for renovations.

Cork and Barrel Craft Kitchen and Microbrewery in Round Rock also is hosting an End of the World Eclipse Viewing Party and Hog Roast from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4000 E. Palm Valley Blvd. Tickets are $35.

The Round Rock Express will host a Total Eclipse of the Park party from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dell Diamond, at 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd. Tickets are $10. Free eclipse sunglasses will be provided.

People can also watch the solar eclipse at a free party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the mall at the Southwestern University Campus at 1001 E. University Ave. in Georgetown. Viewers also can see it at Garey Park at 6450 RM 2243 in Georgetown or at Lake Georgetown.

People are cautioned to wear eclipse sunglasses to view the event.

More: Here's how to get free solar eclipse glasses in Texas and how to know they're safe

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Williamson County not issuing disaster declaration for solar eclipse