On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible in North America for the first time since 2017. The City of New Braunfels is located just outside of the path of totality, while our neighbors in the Texas Hill Country (including Kerrville and Fredericksburg) will be experiencing a total eclipse. New Braunfels will experience a deep partial solar eclipse, beginning at 12:15pm. Maximum coverage of the sun will happen at 1:35pm and the eclipse will end at 2:56pm. According to NASA, the next solar eclipse will not be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044. Due to the rareness of this event, South Central Texas (including New Braunfels) is expecting thousands of visitors to begin arriving on Friday, April 5th and leaving on Tuesday, April 9th. With that in mind, New Braunfels residents are encouraged to view the eclipse from where they are and avoid traveling.

“New Braunfels is no stranger to an increase in visitors to our city. As a summer-time tourism destination, the City of New Braunfels and its staff are accustomed to managing a large influx of visitors,” said New Braunfels City Manager Robert Camareno. “However, given the uniqueness of the upcoming eclipse event, the City has put additional measures in place and residents are encouraged to avoid travel on April 8^th, if possible.” 

Preparations made by the City of New Braunfels include:

• Additional police officers on patrol and full staffing at all six Fire Department stations.
• Additional 911 dispatchers to assist with increased call volume.
• City fleet vehicles (including Police, Fire, and Public Works) will be prepped and staged should they become necessary.
• Solid Waste and Recycling routes will begin collection routes early on Monday, April 8^th. Residents are encouraged to place their trash or recycling carts at the curb the night before.
• The City's Emergency Management Division will be monitoring developments, and the City Emergency Operations Center will be operational during the day of the eclipse.

New Braunfels residents should be aware that the influx of visitors to the region for the eclipse has the potential to cause certain issues including increased traffic citywide, interruptions in cell service, internet, and Wi-Fi, as well as increased demand for fuel and groceries. Residents are advised to prepare now for these potential temporary inconveniences. Other preparation tips include:

• Limit travel to major roadways on April 8th. Consider carpooling and give yourself plenty of extra time in case of heavy traffic. Do NOT stop on road shoulders to view the eclipse.
• Reschedule appointments that can be planned for another day.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Take care of essential needs ahead of time, including prescriptions, groceries, and fuel.

For additional information about the solar eclipse in New Braunfels, visit www.newbraunfels.gov/eclipse.