May 6—Lake County will experience a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, which will enter Ohio near Greenville in Darke County and exit near Avon Lake in Lorain County.

According to reports, the eclipse will occur at about 3:12 p.m. and last four minutes.

Additionally, Lake County will have several "prime viewing areas," with the center line of the eclipse traversing Lake Erie roughly 10 miles due north of the eastern and western boundaries of the county, with the center line of the eclipse approximately five miles due north of Mentor.

"We look forward to this as it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Commissioner John Hamercheck, noting the board is working alongside the Lake County Emergency Management Agency in preparation for the event.

According to officials, the eclipse, along with an anticipated increase in population, will require the coordination of local, state and potentially federal resources.

As a planning agency, the EMA is in the process of formulating a plan to address potential issues within Lake County and surrounding counties associated with the eclipse.

"Witnessing a total solar eclipse on the shore of Lake Erie will be an incredible experience for all and I am grateful we have such wonderful teams to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the thousands of visitors to Lake County," said Commissioner John Plecnik.

The board added that the eclipse is anticipated to be a significant economic driver for local hotels, merchants, restaurants and the Grand River Valley.

Officials noted that additional community partners, such as Remarkable Lake County (the Lake County Visitors Bureau) and local chambers of commerce, will work collaboratively over the next 11 months to create numerous choices for new families to visit.

Lake County EMA Director Joe Busher said the agency, working with county stakeholders, has begun promoting and preparing for the event early.

"Taking lessons learned from previous large gatherings, including the NBA Championship Parade (in 2016), and incorporating those into the planning process will allow Lake County to lessen the impact of the day on our infrastructure, making it safe and safe and enjoyable for everyone," he added.

Commissioner Richard Regovich said the vast amount of arrangement required for the day can't be underestimated.

"We are taking all precautions necessary to ensure our community is ready for this not-to-be-missed occasion," he added.

The last total solar eclipse in the U.S. occurred on Aug. 21, 2017, while the last total eclipse in Ohio took place in 1806.

According to data, next year's eclipse will be the last to appear in North America until 2044. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will occur in 2444.