Texas County Declares Emergency for Total Solar Eclipse; Schools Prepare for Learning Experience

Bell County in Texas has issued a local state of emergency ahead of The Great American Eclipse on April 8, anticipating a significant surge in visitors and strained resources due to its location in the Path of Totality. The declaration aims to help coordinate with the state Department of Emergency Management if state assistance is needed and requires property owners to register events with over 50 people, providing adequate facilities. The county expects challenges such as traffic congestion, fuel shortages, and strains on first responders and hospitals.