City Prepares for Saturday’s Annular Solar Eclipse

Prime Viewing Time at 11:55 a.m.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The City of Corpus Christi is preparing for an influx of visitors to area beaches and attractions in search of prime viewing locations for the annular solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14. These top viewing City destinations include Downtown, along the Bayfront, and North Padre Island.

Eclipse seekers can expect to witness the “ring of fire” annular eclipse for up to 5 minutes and 2 seconds starting at 11:55 a.m., according to nationaleclipse.com.

Corpus Christi has been named one of the best spots in Texas to view the eclipse and the last central point to catch the eclipse in the United States. City officials are anticipating an increase in visitors for the event.  Hotel reservations are 39 percent ahead of last year’s weekend.

The City’s operational plan will be to have additional traffic control, public safety, and emergency response crews stationed in strategic areas for a quick response.

To stay safe, visitors and residents should:  

  • Avoid traffic jams by extending your stay on the beach after the eclipse ends
  • Plan for extra travel time to find parking or access to beaches, the state park, or the national seashore before the event
  • Ensure your vehicle has plenty of fuel beforehand
  • Avoid parking on highway shoulders, sides of the road, ditches, or center medians
  • Never look directly at the sun during an annular eclipse without proper glasses
  • ONLY use glasses that are CE and ISO-certified
  • Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks
  • Ensure that children and pets are kept close in crowded eclipse-viewing areas

Stay connected by visiting these City social media channels, Facebook @citygov and Twitter @cityofcc.

For more information, media representatives can contact Public Information Manager Robert Gonzales at 361-826-3233 or robertg8@cctexas.com