For months now I have been sitting in on webinars with state officials, and
meeting with our local officials and first responders, preparing for the 2024 Solar Eclipse.
Arkansas is expected to see 1.5 million visitors. The majority will be going to the path of totality. While Desha County is not in the path of totality, many thousands of visitors will be traveling on U.S. Highway 65 through Desha County, to get to the path of totality.
Our biggest threat will on April 8 th on the night after the eclipse, and the following day April 9 th , when visitors are leaving the state at one time.
State officials tell us that the possible high volume of traffic could overwhelm our local gas stations. The increase usage of cellular service and the internet could overwhelm wireless services. Traffic congestion could cause disruption to our local farmers who are moving equipment to get in the field to plant. Traffic could become gridlocked on the highways across the state leading up to, and immediately following the eclipse, and drivers may seek alternate routes on county roads and local highways.
If traffic gets as congested as officials estimate, getting around Dumas and McGehee could me made more difficult.
During the eclipse traffic may pull to the side of the highway to watch, which could cause traffic crashes. While we are in no way in a panic, we want you to be aware of the possible issues we could face. We want you to be prepared.
Fuel your vehicles up before the eclipse, and farmers should be prepared to move equipment before the 8 th , or after the 9 th .
All first responder agencies in Desha County met yesterday to share our plans,
and to network together to hopefully assist each other in making our people safe.
We must plan for the worse, and hope for the best. If we do see the increase traffic that is expected, please drive safe, and use common sense. Be patient with motorist. We will have all our Deputies working the roadways in the county
to keep traffic moving smoothly, and to respond to any emergencies.
Things we are asking of the public:
-Call 911 April 5 th -April 9 th only if life or property is in danger. An emergency is
any situation that requires immediate assistance from the Sheriff, Police, Fire, or
Ambulance.
-Get fuel and supplies prior to the eclipse.
-Be patient with other motorist, visitors, and First Responders.
Should you have any questions, feel free to contact the Desha County Sheriff’s Office, or the Central Dispatch non-emergency numbers.
-Sheriff Mitch Grant
