# Eclipse traffic **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 14, 2017, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650 "2017-08-14T17:51:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2017, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/121 "2017-08-18T20:32:18Z")
> [@watchwolf49](#): > > 99W was clear this morning … How far north on it were you? It was fine in Junction City, where I met a friend for breakfast late this morning. But I figured it wouldn’t get bad until past Monroe. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2017, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/122 "2017-08-18T20:47:40Z")
Thanks for this thread. I am migrating out of, and back into, Atlanta, the city that paralyzed itself when an inch of snow within 2 hours of school dismissal. I’ll bring fuel and food and a notepad for the most fascinating blog post ever. ---
**Author:** ![watchwolf49](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9c0ed/32.png) [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2017, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/123 "2017-08-19T14:01:18Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > How far north on it were you? It was fine in Junction City, where I met a friend for breakfast late this morning. But I figured it wouldn’t get bad until past Monroe. We made to McMinnville by noon there was was no trouble at all … Except that pne-lane bridge there mear Monroe … I was a bit surprised but 99W was clear in the morning … Sent with my stupid iPhone that can’t spelt worth a damn … ---
**Author:** ![ZurBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/71e660/32.png) [@ZurBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZurBob)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2017, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/124 "2017-08-19T16:33:31Z")
Leaving tomorrow morning (8-20) from SE Ohio to Owensboro Ky… Then on to Paducah, Ky early morn on 8-21 for the eclipse… I’ll let ya’ll know how it turns out. (Not expecting any terrible difficulties). ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2017, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/125 "2017-08-19T18:25:15Z")
I have a friend with a Citation jet who has been looking for an airport in TN, NC or SC from which he could see the eclipse. They typically are quite hospitable to someone who proposes to show up and buy $1500 of gas. But the story at all so far has been “Better look elsewhere - we probably won’t be able to find you a place to park.” ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2017, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/126 "2017-08-19T18:28:20Z")
I found a room in Quincy, Illinois, where I used to live, and plan to view it in Mexico, Missouri, which is a town of 10,000 about 75 miles away. It’s on the edge of totality and they’ll get about 1 minute 15 seconds. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![ZurBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/71e660/32.png) [@ZurBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZurBob)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2017, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/127 "2017-08-19T19:37:25Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > I found a room in Quincy, Illinois, where I used to live, and plan to view it in Mexico, Missouri, which is a town of 10,000 about 75 miles away. It’s on the edge of totality and they’ll get about 1 minute 15 seconds. > > 🆒 Good for you. I hope (like me) you aren’t expecting any near-death experience associated with your journey.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2017, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/128 "2017-08-19T21:15:16Z")
Traffipocalypse/gaspocalypse is fake news in Madras, at least as of Saturday. No problems driving up on Fri, and the roads still look clear. Was worried a bit about the wildfire smoke, since there was a ton of it about 60 miles south, but it’s clear here. Let’s hope the weather holds! ---
**Author:** ![Strinka](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/strinka/32/512_2.png) [@Strinka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Strinka)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2017, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/129 "2017-08-19T22:58:25Z")
Here’s a website that predicts what traffic will be like based on population statistics: [Statistics — Great American Eclipse](https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/statistics/) ---
**Author:** ![Jinx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2017, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/130 "2017-08-19T23:41:33Z")
Chronos, I am surprised! You always seem so organized and prepared! But, I can sympathize. I am in a similar boat. We just heard one news report from Matras, OR. As of yesterday, a town of 7,000 is expected to swell to 200,000! They already have long lines of traffic (mostly RVs or pick-ups trailing campers) waiting to get to their destination. The town of typically 3 private planes an hour is seeing a private plane every 3 minutes! 😮 Depending where you are, it could be utter mayhem (I WAG). I got lucky to find a place about 1.5 hrs from totality. But, will we make it into the endzone to score a total eclipse…we’re gonna damn well try! You better plan to get up at a ridiculous hour Monday morning to get jump on things if you truly are 6 hours away! Also, gas up and expect to burn gas sitting in traffic. Bring cash because data connections may be overwhelmed akin to phone line saturation on 9/11. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/131 "2017-08-20T00:06:45Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > I have a friend with a Citation jet who has been looking for an airport in TN, NC or SC from which he could see the eclipse. > > They typically are quite hospitable to someone who proposes to show up and buy $1500 of gas. But the story at all so far has been “Better look elsewhere - we probably won’t be able to find you a place to park.” It’s a little further, but Washington Missouri Regional, SW of St. Louis is in the path of totality ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/132 "2017-08-20T00:49:01Z")
For those concerned about the weather, [here’s a good blog](http://www.skyandtelescope.com/2017-total-solar-eclipse/eclipse-weather-decision-time/) about it. Summary: OR, ID, and western WY are likely clear; the rest has to worry about clouds and thunderstorms. He doesn’t mention the Oregon coast. From everything I’ve heard, things are pretty iffy there. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/133 "2017-08-20T01:23:16Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > Any Missouri residents wish to comment on what they think the traffic will be like? > [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > Well… It’s gonna be hella crazy. The St. Louis media are reporting that campsites and parks are already filling up. Mo. 94 is a scenic, winding, two-lane road that runs along the Missouri River from St. Charles to Jefferson City. All along it are wineries, bed and breakfasts, and other charming spots. St. Charles County authorities are telling people all those charming spots are already booked for the eclipse, and asking anyone who doesn’t have a reservation to please stay the hell away from Highway 94. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/134 "2017-08-20T02:21:09Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > The St. Louis media are reporting that campsites and parks are already filling up. > > Mo. 94 is a scenic, winding, two-lane road that runs along the Missouri River from St. Charles to Jefferson City. All along it are wineries, bed and breakfasts, and other charming spots. St. Charles County authorities are telling people all those charming spots are already booked for the eclipse, and asking anyone who doesn’t have a reservation to please stay the hell away from Highway 94. I live 6 miles north of 94 in Warren County Missouri. I should probably drive down there and see if there’s a lot of traffic. :eek: Sent from my LG-V495 using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/135 "2017-08-20T02:44:40Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > He doesn’t mention the Oregon coast. From everything I’ve heard, things are pretty iffy there. That’s where my sister is, at an Airbnb. Her attitude? “If it’s cloudy, well, I guess I won’t see it after all.” :o I just looked at the forecast for the place I plan to go, and as of now, they’re predicting a 40% chance of rain. Again, I’ll deal with whatever happens. Both of us plan to enjoy our trips, and that’s all anyone can hope for. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/136 "2017-08-20T13:33:07Z")
Plan A was six hours away. We’re on plan B, and so far it’s going smoothly. I have an uncle in northern Georgia, close to the band. We got down here last night. Traffic was fine, and gas was cheap and abundant, even in the band (one place was charging $2.699, but all the rest were $2.069 at most). We have a couple of options for tomorrow morning, depending on how conditions look. ---
**Author:** ![race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c4cdca/32.png) [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/137 "2017-08-20T17:26:01Z")
Just arrived in Albany from Portland. The freeway is wide open. Of course, there are not that many places to stay here, so the big action will probably be in the morning. I am speculating that a lot of people could be scared away by all the reports of a traffic nightmare down here. There is some light haze in front of the sun now, which could obscure the corona. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/138 "2017-08-20T17:27:01Z")
Drove I-5 south from Portland to Corvallis this morning, and traffic was a little busier than a typical Sunday morning but still moving fine. I saw more cops in 1.5 hours than I have in the last year total. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/139 "2017-08-20T18:51:49Z")
On 20 from Burns to Prineville, OR right now. No traffic. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650/140 "2017-08-20T20:55:19Z")
Made it from Idaho to Prineville with no traffic. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eclipse-traffic/793650.md?page=8)