While Mississippi isn’t in Monday’s total solar eclipse path, a good bit of the show in the sky will still be visible and officials are asking drivers to not let road safety be overshadowed.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation issued the following tips with the eclipse peak to occur just before 2 p.m. in most areas of the state:
- Don’t stop along the interstate or park on the shoulder during the event.
- Exit the highway to a safe location to view the eclipse.
- Don’t take photographs while driving.
- Don’t wear eclipse glasses while operating a vehicle.
- Turn your headlights on.
- Watch out for pedestrians. People may be out and about trying to get a better view of the eclipse.
- Prepare for extra congestion, especially on interstates.
- Avoid travel during the eclipse if you can.
During the total eclipse – which will be the first in the U.S. since 2017 – Mississippians could see anywhere between 83 to 97 percent obscurity of the sun when it passes over the state. For a short time, the sky will turn dark as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun for a few minutes.
The next total solar eclipse isn’t expected to happen until 2044.
