Clouds Will Impact View Of The Eclipse, Storms Could Complicate Travel To Path Of Totality

 
“Most places in the vicinity of the path of totality will have to deal with some
level of clouds, whether high or low clouds,” explained AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok. “Clouds can break for some sunshine, just in time for the afternoon viewing from Chicago to Cleveland. A narrow region of good viewing is expected to open up for cities like Kansas City, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.”

“A severe thunderstorm threat looks likely from April 6 through the morning of April 7 from the western Plains to the Midwest, but less potential of making it to the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. The biggest threat will be large hail and strong, damaging wind gusts. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out,” said Pastelok.  “Large hail can damage vehicles, bring down tents, and cause injuries. Areas around Kansas City and Omaha could be impacted by these storms.”

Families traveling from states west of the path of totality to see the eclipse need to be prepared for challenging driving conditions.

“High southerly winds are likely across the central and western Plains through Sunday with wind gusts between 40-60 mph. This can create blowing dust and a higher risk for fires,” said Pastelok. “Travel could be impacted due to visibility and strong cross winds, especially along the major west-to-east highways, including Interstate 80 and Interstate 40.  Make sure any loose material, including tents and items on top of cars and campers are securely fastened.”

People driving from the Rockies to watch the eclipse in the path of totality could encounter wintry conditions and slick roads.

“Snow can fall heavy at times with blizzard conditions in the central and eastern mountains of Wyoming and Montana this weekend,” said Pastelok. “Travel over this section will be dangerous due to snow and low visibility.”

Along with the threat of clouds blocking a clear view of the total solar eclipse, Pastelok says people need to closely monitor forecast updates for rain and storms along the lower-third of the path of totality in the United States on April 8.  

“Showers and drenching thunderstorms can occur in east Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley, especially on the afternoon of April 8th and slowly moving northward into southern Oklahoma during the night,” said Pastelok. “Some of the heavier storms can produce flash flooding, hail, and brief, yet strong wind gusts. West-central Texas also could see an extension of these storms.”

People traveling on Monday afternoon, immediately after the eclipse, need to be prepared for the threat of dangerous weather conditions.

“The risk for tornadoes elevates for parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas,” explained Pastelok. “Roadways can also be flooded from heavier and slower moving storms.”

With tens of thousands of people camping or staying in state or national parks during the eclipse, AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin says families need to take time to prepare an action plan for severe weather before setting up camp.

“With so many people traveling to unfamiliar areas and camping, or staying in an RV, it’s important to take a few minutes to locate your nearest storm shelter. It may be a sturdy restroom building, campground office, a nearby public storm shelter, or even a 24-hour retail store,” said DePodwin. “We want everyone to have multiple ways to get severe weather alerts, especially when they’re traveling in unfamiliar areas. If you’re staying in a location with limited cell phone signal, ask employees about their weather plan and how they’ll notify visitors if a severe storm is approaching. Do not assume that there are loudspeakers that issue warnings.”

DePodwin says large trees pose a major safety threat if storms impact campgrounds.
 

“Be careful where you park your vehicle, and where you set up your tent or camper. You do not want to be near large trees if a severe storm with gusty winds approaches,” said DePodwin. “It only takes 55 mile an hour wind gusts to uproot trees, even less if the ground is saturated from recent rainfall. It’s important for campers to know where they can shelter before a storm moves in.”

AccuWeather expert meteorologists say it’s important to have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, including the AccuWeather App.

With millions of cars and trucks expected on the road before, and after the eclipse, DePodwin says it’s important to check the forecast before getting behind the wheel.

“Consider leaving early or delaying your travel plans to avoid driving through severe storms. Navigating unfamiliar roads while dealing with downpours, lightning, low visibility, and possible flooding can be incredibly dangerous, especially if there’s more traffic on the roads,” DePodwin said.