TYLER, Texas — The anticipation is building around the two minutes of totality Tyler will see.
"We are seeing hotel rooms book in a two-day minimum," said Sheridan Smith, vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Tyler.
According to Visit Tyler, 3 million people are expected to visit the Lone Star State for the total solar eclipse that is now just one month away. Smith said officials expect 100,000 visitors in the Rose City on April 8, and lots of people also means a lot of traffic.
Traffic Engineer Cameron Williams said the city is considering holding off or delaying construction and trash pickup services to ease traffic on roadways the day of the eclipse.
"The city of Tyler is planning on having their emergency operations center open just in case there is something, but nothing super major that we’re expecting just some small things. We’re doing some small things to be prepared and to minimize any disruptions," Williams said.
If there's chance that it is cloudy, Tyler Junior College Science Center Director Beau Hartweg said it will still be noticeably darker.
"You’re just going to miss the really truly spectacular part of the show, which is the sun’s corona, but you will notice for two minutes it will get dark and look nighttime," Hartweg said.
Hartweg added safety is top of mind when watching the eclipse. Normal sunglasses won't be strong enough to protect your eyes from the sun's rays when looking up at the eclipse.
"You’re going to want to wear something like solar eclipse glasses. The total solar eclipse will live up to its hype so we want everyone who can to get a chance to see it," said Hartweg.
Landmarks around Tyler are wanting to experience the hype as well. Day passes for April 8 at the Tyler State Park went on sale Friday. Overnight passes at the park sold out within 10 minutes.
"There’s blackout bingo scheduled at Liberty Hall, they (Liberty Hall) have a NASA live stream as well that will be happening around that time and 10 music acts," Smith said.
Tyler won't see another total solar eclipse until the year 2343 -- a once in a multigenerational event happening over East Texas.
For a list of TJC total solar eclipse events click here. For a list of Visit Tyler total solar eclipse events click here.