Preparing for the Solar Eclipse

Information for Residents and Business Owners

The Cleveland area will experience a total solar eclipse on Monday April 8th, 2024. At approximately 3:15pm the moon will pass between the sun and earth causing the sky to darken as if it were dusk for approximately 4 minutes and 20 seconds.

Lorain County is on the centerline of the 124-mile-wide band of totality, which spans from Toledo to the Canton area. The direct centerline offers viewers and enthusiasts the longest duration to observe this historic event. The last time the Ohio area experienced a total solar eclipse was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099. As this once in a lifetime event approaches, the City of North Ridgeville and neighboring communities have been preparing for an influx of approximately one million people visiting Lorain County.

What to expect:

Due to our location and the scheduled events in neighboring cities, North Ridgeville will experience an increase in population and vehicular traffic. Although the eclipse is on Monday, we are expecting visitors and spectators to arrive over the weekend and stay in the area through Tuesday. Residents and businesses should be aware this may cause any or all the following:

1. Shortages of food, gas, and supplies.
2. Congested traffic, road closures, and alternative routes.
3. Increased wait times at area hospitals, gas stations, and general services.
4. Loss of cell phone and internet services due to system overload.
5. Some businesses, schools, and childcare services may be closed. North Ridgeville City Schools, Lake Ridge Academy and St. Peter School in North Ridgeville will all be closed on April 8, 2024.

How to prepare:

1. Make sure your vehicles have gas prior to the weekend and if possible, have a spare gas can.
2. Stock up on water, food, and other essential items to include prescription medication.
3. Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.
4. Have extra batteries on hand for portable devices.

The North Ridgeville Police Department is prepared to serve our community to the best of our ability during this historic event. Our dispatch center will likely receive an influx of calls, please be patient and understand that our calls for service will be prioritized. Our police department employees will be working extended hours to provide our community with the service it has come to expect and deserves. We will do our best to keep you advised of any traffic related issues, emergencies, and general information through our city’s Facebook page.