Whether you are going somewhere or staying put to view the total solar eclipse on August 21st, you'll want to make plans now.

According to the KYTC, traffic engineers and police agencies in Kentucky are preparing for up to 500,000 visitors who will be flocking to ten counties along the center line of the eclipse corridor. Hopkinsville or "Eclipseville" is boasting visitors from 16 countries and 34 states. Wow!

The best tip is to plan where you will be viewing the eclipse and plan on staying put in that location, due to the massive influx of traffic. Once you do pick your spot, make sure you have access to parking, restrooms, and food within walking distance. Bring plenty of water as well as sunscreen and insect repellent. Also expect long lines at gas stations.

Eclipse watchers are expected to begin arriving on the 18th and they will continue to filter in up until the eclipse begins about 1:20 p.m. CDT in Kentucky. The eclipse is expected to last two and half minutes.

Traffic through Kentucky along Interstate 24 and Interstate 69, as well as along the Pennyrile Parkway and the U.S. 68/KY 80 corridor in the western half of the state, is expected to be especially congested for several days – before, during and after the eclipse. Real time traffic maps for Kentucky can be found under the GoKY link.

And don't forget, WBKR along with Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center will be hosting a special eclipse blood drive next Friday, August 11th from 7am to 5pm!

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