JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) said motorists should drive safe on state highways and interstates during the solar eclipse.
Travelers throughout Mississippi and most of the country will have a chance to see the rare celestial event on Monday, April 8. The moon will pass between the sun and the earth, blocking out a large portion of the sun’s light in Mississippi, causing a partial solar eclipse in the state.
The eclipse peak is expected to occur just before 2:00 p.m. in most areas of the state. The moon will begin blocking the sun’s path around 12:30 p.m. and is expected to fully clear the sun’s path by approximately 3:00 p.m. Drivers can expect the sky to become dark, as if it were dusk for several minutes.
According to MDOT, Mississippi drivers should make plans early to determine where they will view the eclipse, where they will stay and how best to avoid extra traffic congestion. Drives are not allowed to park along the shoulders or ramps of Mississippi highways to view the eclipse.
MDOT offers the following travel tips for the day of the eclipse:
- Don’t stop along the interstate or park on the shoulder during the event.
- Exit the highway to a safe location to view the eclipse.
- Don’t take photographs while driving!
- Don’t wear opaque eclipse glasses while operating a vehicle.
- Turn your headlights on — do not rely on your automatic headlights when the eclipse blocks out the sun.
- Watch out for pedestrians along smaller roads. People may be randomly parking and walking alongside the road in the hours of the eclipse to get the best view.
- Prepare for extra congestion, especially on the interstates in the path on the day before, day of and day after the eclipse.
- Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the area of the main path if you can.