Hundreds of thousands of eclipse viewers will flock to Indiana as the first total solar eclipse in seven years makes its way across the Hoosier State on Monday, April 8.
The eclipse will be visible over a large portion of the state, with the path of totality spanning from Evansville to the outskirts of Fort Wayne around 3 p.m. ET. Other parts of Indiana will experience a partial eclipse of at least 90 percent totality from approximately 1:30 p.m. ET to 4:30 p.m. ET.
To ensure smooth travel, the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Homeland Security urge drivers to plan ahead and prepare for potential travel impacts before, during and after the eclipse.
INDOT will limit road closures and restrictions where possible on state routes to help with traffic flow surrounding the eclipse.
Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Jack Garner told the Marshall County Commissioners Monday morning that solar eclipse glasses have been distributed to area fire departments and police departments. The state’s directive was to get them to public safety officials first.
His office is currently out of solar eclipse glasses for the public, as well as the Marshall County Health Department. The Starke County Emergency Management Agency has solar eclipse glasses in the office located at the Starke County Annex No. 1 building at 53 E. Mound Street in Knox on a first come, first served basis.
Garner is hoping the weather will cooperate on April 8.
“It looks like it’s going to probably be cloudy the day of the eclipse but it is a week away. We’re hoping things can change and we can see the eclipse. Right now there’s about a sixty percent chance of cloud cover. Hopefully, things open up,” said Garner.
