Solar Eclipse, April 8, 2024

Be Prepared
On Monday, April 8, people within a 124-mile-wide band in the State of Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse. The last total solar eclipse in Ohio was in 1806 and the next will be in the year 2099. Because Lorain County is on the centerline of the band of totality, there is a potential for large numbers of visitors to our area between April 6 and 9. This temporary increase in population in our area may result in:

•    Increased road traffic on all three days
•    Longer than usual lines at gas stations
•    Limited cell service due to heightened network use
•    Local hotels/motels at capacity
•    Increased number of recreational vehicles being utilized throughout the area
•    Longer wait times at local restaurants
•    Longer than normal wait times in local emergency rooms
•    Increased pedestrian traffic

In the city of North Ridgeville, the following precautions are being taken in preparation of the anticipated number of visitors and expected traffic volume:

•    North Ridgeville City Schools, Lake Ridge Academy, St. Peter School and LCCC, along with many other schools in Lorain County, will be closed on Monday, April 8.
•    North Ridgeville’s city parks will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning Friday, April 5 until Tuesday, April 9. Residents and visitors are welcome to enjoy our parks throughout the weekend; however, vehicles will not be permitted in our effort to keep our parks safe and clean.
•    Ranger Way will be closed on Monday, April 8 to vehicular traffic. Access to Kenssington Drive will be maintained.
•    Additional road closures may occur before, during or after the eclipse, and local traffic may be rerouted based upon traffic conditions.

All North Ridgeville city services will be fully functional during this period. The city is taking special measures to ensure that the safety of our community will not be compromised during the event. All such measures are subject to change. The most up-to-date information will be added to this posting as we approach April 8.

Enjoy Safely
It’s important to know how to view the eclipse safely. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, also known as totality, and day momentarily turns into night. The only safe way to look directly at the sun during an eclipse is through special-purpose solar filters, like eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. Here are some tips for safely viewing the eclipse:

•    Only look at the eclipse through a special-purpose solar filter. Safe eclipse glasses should comply with ISO 12312-2 international standard.
•    Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are unsafe. They transmit too much sunlight and could damage the eyes.
•    Always supervise children using solar filters.
•    Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other optical device.

More information about the solar eclipse can be found at Ohio.org and LorainCountyOhio.gov.