2024 Eclipse Information

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. More information from the NASA Glenn Research Center can be found at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/.

Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Special glasses can still be found on shopping sites such as Amazon.com or at stores such as Walmart. Please watch all children carefully to ensure they use the safety glasses properly.

Below are some helpful tips for the residents and businesses of North Olmsted:

City Hall will be open and government services will be available during regular business hours per usual. Parking is not available at the City Hall complex for the purposes of watching the eclipse.
911 is for emergency calls only, not for information purposes. All other questions should be directed to the non-emergency number at 440-777-3535. Do not use 911 to report traffic jams unless there is a life-safety emergency.
The North Olmsted Police Department will have extra officers, including bike patrol, available during the eclipse time frame to help direct traffic, enforce traffic safety laws, and keep our city safe.
North Olmsted Police will not enforce the overnight parking ban on City streets on Sunday, April 7^th, but will enforce the no parking on the fire hydrant side of the street.

What you should know about Eclipse Planning

Make a family emergency communication plan and include pets.
Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car.
Your travel plans should include before, during, and after the event.
Get your information from reliable sources.
Know where you will get accurate and timely information, notifications, and alerts.

Travel and Parking Tips

Pre-plan your route. Know your destination in advance and where you plan to safely park to view the eclipse.
Do not pull off the side of a roadway to view the eclipse as it could impede traffic and is unsafe.
Do not park on privately owned land (empty lots or farm fields) unless arrangements have been made with the owner of the property.
In the event your GPS does not work, keep a paper travel map in your car.
Keep your gas tank topped off.
If it is a rainy week prior to the eclipse date, be mindful of parking in grassy areas such as fields. The ground may be soft and your vehicle may get “stuck in the mud”.
Ohio’s Move Over Law requires motorists to cautiously shift over one lane- or slow down if changing lanes is not possible – when passing any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road.
Cellphone systems may be overloaded during the eclipse and therefore may be inoperable for a short period of time.
City parks will be closed the night prior to April 8 with no overnight parking or camping in the parks allowed; they will be opened at approximately 6:30 a.m. on April 8.
All tents, shelters, and similar items are prohibited in parks and other city properties.
No amplification devices are permitted in the parks.
Dogs must be kept on a 6’ leash while in city parks.
Park space is on a first come-first served basis.
Alcohol use in City parks, public property, or on the public streets is not permitted.
The sale of items on public property is prohibited.
No fireworks are allowed in City parks -- this includes novelty fireworks such as sparklers and smoke bombs.
The City is not allowing any block parties or food trucks.