LOCAL

Williamson County not issuing disaster declaration for eclipse, says officials ready

Claire Osborn
Austin American-Statesman

Unlike some neighboring counties, Williamson County doesn't plan to issue a disaster declaration for the solar eclipse April 8.

"Emergency service directors have discussed that at this time it's not necessary," said Shantelle Brannon, the interim director for the county's emergency services office. "Nothing in the data shows us a reason for us to put certain emergency measures in place."

Brannon said the county's emergency operations center will be open April 8. That means representatives from 30 agencies will be in one room, available to talk to one another and deploy resources in case something happens, Brannon said.

The total solar eclipse April 8 will "enter" the United States over Texas, according to NASA, crossing Central Texas before tracing a path to the northeast.

A disaster declaration would allow the county to take certain measures, including closing roads and enacting curfews.

Officials in Travis County have issued an emergency declaration, requiring those planning gatherings of 50 or more people to register the event. County Judge Andy Brown has estimated the eclipse could bring an extra 1 million people to the area.

More:Travis County issues disaster declaration ahead of April 8 total solar eclipse

The influx of people is expected to increase traffic and put a strain on first responders, Travis County officials have said. They are asking people to prepare by going shopping and getting gas before the event. Burnet County also has issued a disaster declaration.

Williamson County officials have asked cities for estimates of how much their population might swell for the event but have not received answers yet, Brannon said. She said she would probably know more about how many people might pour into the county after April 1.

More:Austin will be cast in complete darkness by total solar eclipse in April. What we know.

The number of hotel rooms in the county includes 4,447 in Round Rock, 1,200 in Cedar Park and 930 in Georgetown, Brannon said.

The eclipse will be visible in Williamson County between 12:18 aand 2:58 p.m. April 8, with maximum totality at 1:37 p.m., according to the county's website. Totality is the stage of the eclipse in which the moon completely blocks the sun.

Totality is supposed to be the richest in the western part of the county, Brannon said. Three school districts — Liberty Hill, Florence and Jarrell — will be closed that day. The Leander school district will remain open.

Campgrounds filling up for total solar eclipse

Williamson County spokeswoman Connie Odom said campground reservations are filling up.

Camping spots are full at River Ranch County Park in Liberty Hill, she said. The park at 194 Reveille Way is not accepting reservations for day use but will allow visitors until it reaches capacity, which is about 300 vehicles. Friends of River Ranch, a group of volunteers who support the park, will host an eclipse viewing party starting at 11:30 a.m. April 8 at the park's interpretive center. Participants will need to pay park admission fees.

Members of the Leander High School band safely view an annular eclipse Oct. 14 during a break in the Texas Marching Classic at Kelly Reeves Stadium in Round Rock. The total solar eclipse April 8 will be a more dramatic event as much of Central Texas will experience full darkness.

Reservations for RV camping are still available at the Williamson County Exposition Center at 5350 Bill Pickett Trail in Taylor but are filling up fast, Odom said.

People can also view the eclipse at Champion Park at 3830 Brushy Creek Road in Cedar Park and at Twin Lakes Park at 204 E. Little Elm Trail in Cedar Park.

Berry Springs Park and Preserve in Georgetown does not have camping available due to construction, Odom said. Southwest Williamson County Regional Park is open for viewers until it reaches capacity at 3005 County Road 175.

Cork and Barrel Craft Kitchen and Microbrewery in Round Rock will host an End of the World Eclipse Viewing Party and Hog Roast from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4000 E. Palm Valley Blvd. Tickets are $35.

The Round Rock Express will host a Total Eclipse of the Park party from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd. Tickets are $10. Free eclipse sunglasses will be provided.

People can also watch the solar eclipse at a free party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the mall at the Southwestern University campus, 1001 E. University Ave. in Georgetown; at Garey Park, 6450 RM 2243 in Georgetown; or at Lake Georgetown.

People are cautioned to wear eclipse sunglasses to view the event.

More:Here's how to get free solar eclipse glasses in Texas and how to know they're safe