A massive influx of visitors has some states readying the National Guard for the April 8 total solar eclipse.

At the request of local emergency management officials, the Oklahoma National Guard will have members of the 63rd Civil Support Team available to assist local governments during the eclipse, including working with first responders with additional HAZMAT responses if needed.

Lt. Col. Jabonn Flurry, commander of the 63rd CST, said as many as 100,000 visitors are expected in McCurtain County, Oklahoma.

“This influx of visitors has the potential to overtax local resources and thanks to the training and experience our Guardsmen have working alongside local agencies all across Oklahoma, the CST is uniquely qualified to support our fellow Oklahomans,” Flurry said in a statement.

Oklahoma is one of 15 states along the total solar eclipse’s path of totality, or area of greatest darkness, created when the moon passes in front of the sun.  The path of totality will start in Mexico and move across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before heading out over the North Atlantic. Small portions of Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee will also experience almost the entirety of the eclipse.

Proximity to the path of totality will determine how long it will last. The longest duration of totality is 4 minutes, 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico. Most places along the path of totality will see the sun blocked out for between 3.5 and 4 minutes.

States along the path are expecting massive influxes of visitors. In Texas, officials are warning people to stock up on food – and pack plenty of patience – during the eclipse.

According to the Hays County, Texas eclipse website, residents should brace for traffic delays and crowds, as well as the possibility of delayed emergency response, interruptions to cell service and issues with credit card machines due to the influx of people.

Other tips:

• Expect heavy traffic and sudden stops by drivers.
• Be on alert for distracted pedestrians looking to the sky.
• Keep your headlights on while driving, even in the daylight.
• Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving.
• Always keep your eyes on the road. Only view the eclipse once safely parked away from the flow of traffic.