HOPKINSVILLE, Ky -- People are already starting to arrive and traffic is picking up across western Kentucky with the solar eclipse now on Monday's horizon. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd estimates that a half-million people will be in western Kentucky through Tuesday for the celestial event. They will be spread out over a 20 county area.
The state has posted many electronic road signs to help out-of-towners find their way to and from the event. Locals are being told to prepare as if a major snow storm is coming Sunday and Monday, and to buy food essentials and fill their gas tanks.
Cell service is expected to be spotty, traffic will be slow, public restrooms could be in short supply, and hotel room rates have skyrocketed with a report of a hotel charging $500 a night/three night minimum (its sold out).
The solar eclipse takes place Monday afternoon.
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