Eclipse Day

The event anticipated by residents in the Ozarks is here.

Today is the Solar Eclipse that will impact parts of the Lakes Region with total darkness for a period of time while all of the region will see over 95% impact.

Information about the Eclipse is below:
Timing
The Lakes Region will begin seeing partial impacts of the eclipse around 12:30 with the maximum impact between 1:50 and 2:00 CDT. 

Areas in Path of Totality  
In Arkansas, areas just south of Harrison including Bellfonte and Valley Springs in Boone County. Parts of all of Marion, Newton, and Searcy Counties are also in the path of totality including the communities of Flippin, Jasper, Marshall, Western Grove, and Yellville. 

In Missouri, the path of totality is in the southeastern two-thirds of Ozark County including areas around Gainesville. 

Other Areas
Harrison is right at the edge of totality, resulting in over 99% coverage. Other areas in Arkansas including Bergman, Berryville, Eureka Springs, Diamond City, and Omaha will be up around 98% coverage.

In the Missouri Lakes Region including the Branson and Hollister areas as well Blue Eye, Cassville, Crane, Forsyth, Galena, Reeds Spring, Spokane will see 97-99% coverage at the maximum of the eclipse.

Forecast
Some high clouds are expected to roll in during the afternoon ahead of a front that will bring rain overnight Monday, which could impact but not totally block viewing of the eclipse.

Schools
Several schools in the path of totality will be closed according to various media sources. The Harrison Daily Times reports some of the schools closed include Alpena, Deer, Flippin, Green Forest, Jasper, Lead Hill, Mount Judea, Ozark Mountain, and Yellville-Summit. Harrison Superintendent of Schools Stewart Pratt said in an interview last week on KHOZ's "Around the Table" program that Harrison Schools will be in session but staff and students will have opportunities to view the eclipse. 

Meanwhile a School District in Missouri will be taking extra precautions during the eclipse. The Gainesville School District will be allowing students to view the eclipse but will have extra security in place to prevent potential visitors to the region from trespassing on school grounds. 

Events
The Boone County Library will host an Eclipse on the Street event on West Stephenson Street between 12:00 and 3:00 with Activities, Food, and Vendors for all ages. 

Other information
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a State of Emergency for the state with anticipated heavy traffic on many roads. The order is for commercial carriers transporting essential items of commerce to customers in Arkansas during the emergency declaration which goes through Wednesday.

Traffic officials in both Arkansas and Missouri have advised of increase traffic, especially in or near the path of totality, during and after the eclipse. Many communities have made contingency plans for things like gas for city and government vehicles in case of a huge demand due to increase visitors. 

The City of Harrison reminds residents their offices will be closed between 12:30 and 2:30 during the eclipse time. 

A link to a map of timing of the eclipse in both Arkansas and Missouri can be found on the Ozarks First Website.