Page 2 - Ryan Dirker News Today

"We fully expect as soon as the eclipse is over, it will be a mass exodus," McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara said.

Eclipse-texas-waco-houston-traffic

As the April 8 total solar eclipse approaches, Waco-area public safety planners have shifted their concern from the size of crowds to the number of vehicles on major roads.

Safety and logistical plans are in the beginning stages for Waco and county officials anticipating a major influx of travel for the April 8 total solar eclipse.

The Waco area endured weather-breaking cold temperatures, power outages and event cancellations Monday and braced for more bone-chilling weather and school delays on Tuesday.

Update, 4:05 p.m.

"Were preparing for 100,000 people. ... Were trying to put together a whole community response. We want people to enjoy themselves and do so safely."

The City of Waco announced that Ryan Dirker was selected to serve as the Emergency Management Coordinator on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

McLennan County fireworks vendors are breathing a sigh of relief for this Fourth of July.

Texas has seen a large increase in solar power this last year, which is why energy experts like Doug Lewin say they're not too worried about the grid holding up.