Solar Eclipse

[wx2watch]

Hmmm, well now I’m confused. Admittedly, I’m not native to that area but Google map indicates it is a clean shot up I-93 to Lyndon, VT. Wouldn’t want to end up on a dirt road en route. (Of course, it could be that Montpelier VT is a more desirable destination…)

Please elaborate on the disappearance of I-93. Thanks in advance!

 

[Project25_MASTR]

My back yard is right in the middle (Between Gatesville and McGreggor) I'll be BBQing.

I'm actually wondering what your successor has planned comms-wise since he's almost in the path of totality. I got to go over and say hi to him a few months back now.

Oh, if I haven't told you yet, your fleet map is right where you left it on wall still.

 

[brcoz]

First this will be my first time in Texas and was not able to get a hotel near Dallas. I waited too long. I have a short time friend that works at a Hospital there. She came to the Hospital I worked at back 2021, to help out.
I will be staying in Georgetown and will look for a location west for the eclipse. I am working on a systems list for my scanner for the drive up and back. I will look at the systems posted in this thread.
I will be on I-10 from New Mexico. It looks like conv and trunk for Texas DPS I will be adding. I will be checking back here to see anything to add.
Thank all of you for the info.

I went to Idaho in 2017 and it was great and this one will be the last in my lifetime to see.

 

[hiegtx]

In the DFW metro area, Ennis, just south-southeast of Dallas in Ellis County, is supposedly in the path of the longest period of totality. A short news report on one of the local stations said that Ennis was expecting their population to double, due to people coming there to get a better view of the eclipse.

Other local news stories:

April 8 solar eclipse: These Texas locations will spend the longest time in totality

Texas takes center stage in the 2024 solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, as it will be the first state in the country to catch a glimpse.

www.wfaa.com

Total solar eclipse facts: Why this event is so special for DFW

During a total eclipse, the moon is closer to the earth and it perfectly aligns with the sun creating total darkness.

www.wfaa.com

 

[larrybl58]

I'm actually wondering what your successor has planned comms-wise since he's almost in the path of totality. I got to go over and say hi to him a few months back now.

Oh, if I haven't told you yet, your fleet map is right where you left it on wall still.

He quit a few weeks ago. Only the two minions are left.

 

[kv5e]

Since the gamma is greater on the 8 APR 24, the path of totality is wider, ~110 miles instead of 70 on the 21 AUG 17 eclipse. If this is your first eclipse, don't get fixated on having to be on the center of the umbra. Even 25 or more miles away there is 4 minutes plus of totality. In 2017 in NE, we had about ~2:30 depending on where you were.

If this is your first TSE, then don't get hung up on trying to do too many things like pictures and adjusting equipment. BE IN THE MOMENT. Get one picture with the corona and landscape, maybe a few more. Just take it in.

After totality there will be a EVERYONE trying to get back to their home, room, ...... It will be a mess but just go with the flow. Think of back road options like I did in 2017. Interstates are choke points, there might even be a waiting line for the bathroom at Bucee's if you can find a place to park.

 

[garys]

I haven't been up there in years and didn't realize that they extended I-93 that far.

Hmmm, well now I’m confused. Admittedly, I’m not native to that area but Google map indicates it is a clean shot up I-93 to Lyndon, VT. Wouldn’t want to end up on a dirt road en route. (Of course, it could be that Montpelier VT is a more desirable destination…)

Please elaborate on the disappearance of I-93. Thanks in advance!

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Bell County has already declared a state of Emergency for the Eclipse....

 

[Scottm467]

Working...

Here's what we are expecting on an emergency services level:

- cellular system overload (if a structure fire 6 months ago proved FirstNet and Frontline are going to fail) county wide.
- impassable roadways which is creating the largest concern for medical transportation (intra-region ops are looking at making their birds available for transport in addition to what we have normally available).
- visitors stupid enough to bring EV's are likely going to need roadside charging services.
- all R&B crews carrying fuel.
- hording fuel storage for emergency vehicles at ISD/Precinct/TxDOT/inter-county barns.
- all full-time emergency personnel are working starting Saturday for most agencies (A/B shifts)
- staging multiple command units.
- pre-prepped disaster declaration just needing the finial inking from the judge to be submitted to the State.
- DPS and CATRAC are bringing in extra boots.

In other words, CF imminent.

Weren’t you the person talking about the change of the century back in 1999??

 

[G7RUX]

On April 8, 2024, I will be staying inside my apartment. I will not venture out. I could not care less about seeing the eclipse.

Traffic on the highways will likely be a big problem. LE are already coordinating efforts with various agencies.

I used to hear federal traffic when there was a TxWarn site near here. I don't know which conventional frequencies/talk groups they will be using. Yes, I am aware of some activity on HOTRRS, but it is generally associated with the Lone Star Task Force. U.S. Marshalls are members of this LE group.

I am looking forward to monitoring the activity here in Wacko.

The other day, I was talking to someone from the local rag. He said, "people are going to be greatly disappointed if it is cloudy that day."

For those of you who might venture this way, I am guessing that LE traffic for this event will be on the HOTRRS LE Administrative talk groups. Of course, the event talk groups will likely active as well.

I am curious. What are your plans for this date?

It might be worthwhile monitoring HF radio too, since an eclipse introduces a short term grey line effect.

 

[dzirzow]

A lot of schools closing in Cleveland OH area. Think they are just trying to get an extra paid day off as they are claiming it a calamity day (ie snow day). Guess no one heard of April showers brings May's flowers. I will be surprised here in CLE if the day is not cloudy.

 

[Ensnared]

You are most welcome. I have monitored the IH10, corridor. It is an interesting ride as well.

FYI: https://eclipse2024.org/mapviewer/index1.html?map=San_Antonio_detail

 

[Ensnared]

Bell County has already declared a state of Emergency for the Eclipse....

I wonder if they applied for a FCC temporary license like Oklahoma and Burnet County in Texas?

 

[Ensnared]

You are most welcome. I have monitored the IH10, corridor. It is an interesting ride as well.

Sorry, I posted the wrong hyperlink: Forget The Alamo: Why Eclipse Chasers Must Avoid Central San Antonio On April 8

A mental health professional who works in the ER at Advent Health told me that the crackheads who frequent this motel have been booted out as a function of this "sold out" Ritz Carlton.

The usual rate of $25 went to $155, then $96.

This is MS-13 turf. If someone brings their Range Rover & Cartier watch to this neighborhood, they might experience a "blingectomy."

The pace of this madness is escalating her in Waco. I understand Waco airport is expecting around 60 private planes & jets.

As I stated, I was going to take flight to Iowa on the 2nd of April thinking I could drive away from it. I hate it when my wife is right. For some reason I thought I would be in the clear since I would likely encounter people headed south on IH35. Since it is around a 12-hour drive via IH35 through KS, if I needed to stay overnight, the rooms would be facing the same elevated prices for lodging.

I decided to sit here & listen.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

San Saba County discussed a declaration at Commissioner's Court on the 11th (as was the discussion of a new radio system) and it is on their agenda to discuss again this next week. Travis county declared. Burnet county has declared. Kerr county has declared. Kendall county has declared. Starting to see more and more counties declare ahead of the Eclipse.

 

[Ensnared]

San Saba County discussed a declaration at Commissioner's Court on the 11th (as was the discussion of a new radio system) and it is on their agenda to discuss again this next week. Travis county declared. Burnet county has declared. Kerr county has declared. Kendall county has declared. Starting to see more and more counties declare ahead of the Eclipse.

Thanks for this great information. "Onward Through the Fog", --Oat Willie

 

[brcoz]

Any systems we should monitor for the eclipse? Like Inter op? I'll be in Gillespie county then headed to Pecos county.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

The SWIC office may publish the ICS-205...it's long.

VCALL10, VTAC11, and VMED28 seem to be pretty common throughout the path as does TXCALLL1D, 8TAC95D and 8CALL90. When it comes to agencies on different regional systems, it's really going to depend on the level of planning that is going into it all. I know there are going to be some active patches (permanent and on-demand) of GATRRS, LCRA but that may also continue to TxWARN and NTIRN in some manner or another as well. I've heard rumors of TIRIS being used as well.

 

[KK4JUG]

I'm staying home. I'm in Georgia but I've seen dark before. Here, it's probably gonna be like Y2K: nuthin'

 

[Blueliner]

I have a big old Oak tree by the lake. I'm over 70 and often stop under it while mowing on hot summer days, it creates an excellent "total eclipse of the sun" where I can sip on a cold one, and without the hysteria and traffic jams.