Pathfinder for Solar Eclipses

The National Weather Service (NWS) describes a solar eclipse as a relatively rare phenomena that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting the Moon's shadow on Earth. The path of an eclipse is narrow and short-lived.

Because a solar eclipse is a relatively rare type of planned special event, it can generate large volumes of traffic for which State and local departments of transportation (DOTs) will need to prepare. A solar eclipse is unique in how its path crosses many locations across the Nation. Many people are interested in experiencing a solar eclipse firsthand, even if they do not live near its path. Thus, in addition to increased traffic and potential safety impacts caused by people traveling to experience the solar eclipse, a variety of additional associated local activities, festivals, and events may also be scheduled to coincide with the eclipse that cause additional impacts.

A total solar eclipse occurred in the United States on August 21, 2017, and created delays and queuing on rural interstates and highways across the Nation, as shown in figure 4 from Wyoming. During the days before and after the 2017 event, people traveled into rural areas near the path of totality. In the days leading up to the eclipse, some State DOTs worked with the National Weather Service using a Pathfinder approach. This coordination helped DOTs understand whether cloud cover might impact visibility of the eclipse in certain areas, causing increased congestion as visitors moved to locations with better weather conditions and visibility. Additionally, increased traffic to remote areas could cause other safety impacts, such as the presence of illegally parked vehicles in unsafe areas (e.g., shoulders or medians), or the increased potential of igniting wildfires in dry areas.

Similarly, the path of the 2024 total solar eclipse will cross rural areas, although in close proximity to major population centers, such as Houston, TX, New York City, NY, and Boston, MA. For optimal viewing, many people from these large cities will travel to nearby rural areas to view the 2024 solar eclipse. Major cities like Dallas, TX and Cleveland, OH are also in the path of the 2024 total solar eclipse, and these areas may be more capable of handling an influx of travelers wishing to view the eclipse.

In this presentation, I will share information on how transportation agencies can use Pathfinder strategies - working with the National Weather Service and the DOT’s private weather service providers - to provide coordinated impact messages to traveling public and manage the transportation system during eclipses.