SPRINGFIELD – As if concerns about North Korea weren't serious enough, August 21st is bringing its own set of cautions across 14 states. For three minutes or so, skies will be pitch black in the middle of the day, at 2 PM CST. As the hour approaches when the moon will eclipse the sun, birds will stop singing, crickets will start chirping – and Southern Illinois will be in the path of the spectacle.
Officials in cities and towns along the path are sending out cautions and alerts:
Officials across the country say they’re doing all they can to put out the word to eclipse-watchers, using press releases, videos, public appearances and social media. But in the end, they caution, it’s up to locals and visitors to follow common sense rules to stay safe.
“Don’t stand on the interstate. Don’t pull your car over. Don’t take a selfie from a bridge,” said Doug Hecox, a Federal Highway Administration spokesman. “The risk of driver distraction from this once-in-a lifetime event has never been greater. We don’t want anyone to have an ‘eclipse in judgment.’ ”
Lloyd Brown, spokesman for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, agreed that “an eclipse is clearly a transportation issue. We’re concerned that people will be driving down the road and just stop their cars and look up. They need to be safe in a situation like this.”
Here's what the Chester, Illinois Emergency Management is circulating on social media:
Speaking of an eclipse in judgment, what’s John McCain up to this week?