"Preparing for April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Tips for Safe Viewing and Navigating Traffic"

Small towns and rural areas along the path of April's total solar eclipse in North America are preparing for huge crowds by stocking up on fuel, groceries, and emergency supplies, and urging residents and visitors to be patient and prepared for disruptions. With memories of the 2017 eclipse causing gas shortages and traffic jams, officials are advising people to stock up on fuel, food, and other provisions, and to expect cell phone signal disruptions. Emergency management officials are urging residents to prepare for potential traffic hassles and to treat the eclipse like a snowstorm by stocking up and hunkering down.