by H. Paul Gray
Harney County Emergency Manager
for the Burns Times-Herald

Aug. 21 is closing in on our community, and for those who still do not know, we have a total solar eclipse coming.

Many are looking toward this eclipse and thinking, “It’s just another eclipse,” but nothing is further from the truth.

This will be the first total eclipse to come through the continental United States since 1979. It will hit Oregon’s coast, between Lincoln City and Newport, around 10:15 a.m., and exit the state around 10:27 a.m. Depending on the location within the path of totality, the total eclipse of the sun will range from one minute to two minutes and 11 seconds, while the total duration will last two hours and 37 minutes. Seneca will see one minute of total eclipse, while John Day will see two minutes or more of total darkness.

Why is knowing about this eclipse important to us here in Harney County? Grant County is within the area of totality. The numbers that we are receiving from the state indicate that John Day and Grant County will be seeing an increase in population by 100,000+. Harney County will see a possible influx of 25,000+ within the community, stopping or traveling through. Most, if not all, hotels, motels, and camping sites are booked for the eclipse. Oregon will be seeing one million extra out-of-state vehicles driving on the roads for the day of the eclipse.

This will affect our local people by having more traffic in the area, with the possibility of more traffic accidents and/or delays. On the day of the eclipse, expect Highway 395 to be crowded. Also expect long lines at our fueling stations and grocery stores. With this information, we are asking our locals to stock up on groceries a couple of weeks prior to the eclipse, and have at least two weeks of provisions on hand. This includes fuel for your vehicles and prescriptions for yourself and each family member.

If you do not have to be out on the weekend leading up to, or the day of the eclipse, stay close to home. Local activities are currently being planned. Though we are not in the area of totality, Burns will see a 98.7 percent eclipse, while Winnemucca, Nev., will see an 89.3 percent eclipse. So, stay close and enjoy it away from the mass gatherings and crowds.

This is the first of a weekly series to run in the Burns Time-Herald for the total solar eclipse. Each week, guest writers will provide information to our community for what to expect over the next few months.