Full Notification

On Monday, 04/08/2024, the City of Rocky River will be in the path of totality of a solar eclipse, a phenomenon that has not happened since 1806 and will not happen again until 2099. Northeast Ohio is within a one-day drive of about 70% of the country’s population. A significant increase in the region’s population on the day of the eclipse is expected.  
 
Times for the eclipse on Monday are:
1:59 p.m.         Eclipse begins.
3:13 p.m.        Total eclipse begins.
3:17 p.m.        Total eclipse ends.
4:29 p.m.         Eclipse ends.
 
The Rocky River Division of Police has planned for increased patrol staffing on the day before, the day of, and the night after the eclipse. On Monday, police personnel will be present at City parks, the Police Boat Argus will be in the water, and bicycle patrol officers will be deployed. We have coordinated with our Westshore law enforcement partners in planning for this event.  
 
Overnight parking permission is granted from Friday, 04/05/2024, night through Tuesday, 04/09/2024, morning to accommodate visitors. All other parking restrictions will be enforced to ensure safe passage of increased traffic and emergency vehicles.
 
Parks will be closed during normal hours and will open on Monday, 04/08/2024, at 6:30 a.m. Park rules remain in effect. Parks may be closed to vehicular traffic if lots are full to avoid traffic issues and to ensure the safety of guests.
 
Concerns that have been identified include a strain on mobile/cellular communication systems and an increase in traffic, particularly on Monday evening as visitors are leaving the area.
 
It is recommended that residents ensure vehicles are fueled, stock up on food and other provisions to minimize the need to be on the roads, and charge mobile phones and other communication devices.
 
Plan for extremely heavy traffic on Monday afternoon, including possible gridlock. Avoid the roadways during that time. If you must be on the road, plan for a much longer than usual travel time. Do not block intersections. Vehicles parked illegally, disabled, or otherwise impeding traffic may be impounded.
 
While there is no information to indicate any specific problems, large gatherings of people may attract opportunistic criminal behavior. Be sure to follow basic crime prevention tactics. Lock your homes and cars and do not leave personal property unattended. Most importantly, if you see suspicious behavior of any kind, please notify police immediately by calling 440-331-1234 or, in an emergency, 911.