San Marcos warns of service interruptions due to eclipse visitors

With the total solar eclipse happening in less than a month, city leaders are putting out an early warning about how an influx of visitors to San Marcos could worsen traffic, interrupt service connections and create some supply shortages.

SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — With the total solar eclipse happening in less than a month, city leaders are putting out an early warning about how an influx of visitors to San Marcos could worsen traffic, interrupt service connections and create some supply shortages.

The city put out a news release Tuesday laying out how it's getting ready for the eclipse on April 8. San Marcos lies outside the path of totality, but people will still be able to see a "ring of fire" there when the moon almost covers the sun completely.

As people are expected to position themselves around the community to view the rare event, city leaders are expecting traffic congestion to be the most significant issue. For that reason, they advised people to avoid travel on that day if possible or allow extra time for delays. It's also not a bad idea to pack snacks and water in their vehicle, the city said.

Other impacts, the city noted, could include visitors either creating a run on essentials like fuel and groceries or causing "communication infrastructure challenges." This is why the city is advising people to enable Wi-Fi calling on their cell phones in case there are any service interruptions. People should also consider keeping cash on hand to deal with potential internet outages that would affect credit card transactions.

In a news release, Rob Fitch, the city's emergency management coordinator, said, "Plan to run your errands and pick up groceries or medicine prior to the eclipse event, but don't over-buy. Safety is our top priority, and our Police and Fire Departments have scheduled extra staff to work the day of the event to respond to incidents or traffic concerns and ensure operational needs are met."

These warnings come shortly after Travis County issued a disaster declaration for the total eclipse. This move is related to similar concerns about large crowds, increased traffic and strains on first responders, hospitals and roads. 

The City of San Marcos is not, though, holding any official or sponsored events to mark the eclipse.

City leaders are reminding neighbors and visitors to get the proper eyewear to safely view the eclipse and only look through a camera lens, binoculars or telescopes fitted with the correct solar filters to avoid serious eye injuries.

Much of Central Texas, including Travis County, is expected to have some of the best views of the celestial event. The path of totality will pass over a 122-mile wide stretch from Eagle Pass to Texarkana, covering nearly 13 million Texans.