The background
This is the second eclipse the region will see in the span of six months, after October’s annular solar eclipse, in which spectators saw the moon partially cover the sun. This spring, the moon will completely block the sun for up to four minutes.
A total solar eclipse only occurs over the same region every 200 years, so Austin may see an increase of visitors in April.
As of January, the downtown hotel occupancy rate is 70%, while the spring season typically averages about 80%, according to a memo from Ken Snipes, director of the Austin office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Rental company Airbnb officials said Austin is one of the most booked cities among the path of totality.
As residents and visitors plan to see the total solar eclipse, city officials are preparing for safety and accessibility.
What the experts say
The city’s 911 Emergency Communications Center will increase staffing from April 6-9 to address a potential for additional calls. The Austin Fire Department, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Service and Austin Police Department will also increase staffing during this time.
With an increase in visitors, cellular towers may be impacted. The Travis County Amateur Radio Emergency Service team will provide backup radio support in the region as needed.
The eclipse must be viewed with eclipse glasses until it reaches totality at around 1:35 p.m. until 1:38 p.m., but this time may vary slightly based on location. On March 11, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department will distribute 10,000 free glasses at recreation centers, senior centers and at the Austin Nature and Science Center. Branches of the Austin Public Library will also distribute eclipse glasses starting April 4.
What residents should know
All city-run parks will be open to visitors, but city officials encourage the community to view the eclipse elsewhere as traffic is anticipated to increase. Despite this, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officials are not anticipating operational impacts.
The city encourages that neighborhoods interested in planning events submit a permit application.
Watch parties will be hosted by specific libraries around the city, and entry to the Zilker Botanical Gardens will be free April 8. Businesses, such as Meanwhile Brewing and Jester King Brewery, will also be hosting events.
