ARKANSAS, USA — The state of Arkansas is expecting the 2024 total solar eclipse to bring in almost 1.5 million tourists, according to new projections shared by the Arkansas House of Representatives.
The House addressed the upcoming eclipse in a Dec. 21 news release, calling the astronomical phenomenon the "largest tourism event in Arkansas history."
The release says that the eclipse event will see the moon cast a shadow over the sun on April 8, 2024, expected to create a 117.9-mile-wide path of totality.
The shadow is supposed to touch down in the southwest tip of the state, near De Queen, at 1:46 p.m. and move northeastward, exiting the state near Pocahontas at around 2 p.m.
Those in the path can expect up to four minutes of "total darkness," the release said.
In addition to the 1.5 million visitors from outside the state, 500,000 Arkansans are expected to travel to the path of totality.
The release says that members of the Arkansas Legislative Council heard from several state agencies planning for the event, as the influx of people is expected to cause challenges.
The following state agencies have shared their plans with the council ahead of the eclipse, according to the release:
Arkansas State Police plan to strategically deploy troopers across the state, with supervisors instructed not to approve time off on the day of the eclipse.
The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management is coordinating contingency plans with other state agencies to ensure quick responses to unforeseen issues.
Arkansas State Parks are set to welcome an estimated 83,000 visitors during the event, with 20 of the 21 parks in the eclipse's path already sold out for the required four-night minimum stay.
The Arkansas Department of Health is working with ambulance and hospital associations to address emergency scenarios.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation has released a traffic management plan, which 5NEWS previously reported on and can be found here. Additionally, ARDOT is encouraging remote work, adjusting schedules, and looking at alternative means of commuting to alleviate congestion on the roads.
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