National Weather Service Eclipse Weather Briefing for Arkansas

A large storm system will be over the southwest United States during the day of the eclipse. Ahead of the system, a south to southwest flow will bring increasing moisture and the possibility of clouds/chances of showers throughout the path of totality in Arkansas.  

Important to Remember: Despite vast improvements of weather models in recent years, any information over more than a few days of a specific time is subject to change. Forecast details will be fine tuned as additional data is received up to the time of the eclipse.   

UA Little Rock celebrating solar eclipse

KUAR | By Emily Hardage, Maggie Ryan

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is gearing up for a Campus Eclipse Celebration on April 8, anticipating the influx of over 3 million people to Arkansas to witness this rare celestial event.

A total solar eclipse is a phenomenon that won’t happen again in Arkansas until 2045. Within the path of totality, the moon’s shadow will completely cover the Sun, and for a few minutes, it will be as dark as dawn or dusk.

The moon is predicted to start covering the sun at 12:33pm CDT, covering it further until 1:51pm - 1:54pm. During those three minutes, the moon’s shadow will be completely covering the sun. Once totality ends, the moon will move away from the sun and at 3:11pm, the eclipse will end.

UA Little Rock celebrating solar eclipse

Seth Wenig/AP

UA Little Rock has several activities planned to celebrate the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, has captured the attention of Arkansans and visitors alike. The path of totality will stretch over 100 miles across The Natural State, extending from the southwest to the northeast. In some locations, lucky observers will experience over four minutes of total darkness. It is expected that 53 of Arkansas' 75 counties will fall within the path of totality, including major cities like Little Rock, Hot Springs, Texarkana, Conway, and Jonesboro. 

With the potential to mark the largest tourism event in state history, Arkansas agencies are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has strategically scheduled a "construction holiday" from April 4 to April 9, ensuring smooth travel with no lane closures or active construction zones. Collaborating closely with the trucking industry, ARDOT aims to minimize the presence of oversized trucks on the roads, enhancing safety for all travelers.

Meanwhile, the Arkansas Department of Education is harnessing the eclipse as a teachable moment, integrating it into science lessons and distributing one million eclipse glasses to libraries statewide. This proactive approach not only fosters scientific curiosity but also promotes safe viewing practices among students and the general public.

In the realm of healthcare, the Arkansas Department of Health stands vigilant, leveraging its trauma communication system to swiftly address any emergencies. Collaborating closely with hospitals and first responders, the agency is working to ensure prompt access to medical facilities, should the need arise. Emphasizing the paramount importance of eye safety, the department underscores the necessity of approved solar viewing glasses, cautioning against direct sun-gazing without proper protection.

As anticipation mounts, Arkansans are encouraged to prepare themselves with essential supplies, including water, food, medications, and first aid kits, in readiness for potential service delays.

For those eager to join in the festivities, a wealth of information on local events and safety guidelines awaits at Arkansas.com/eclipse.

Griffin: ‘Private businesses raising rates to match market demand does not constitute price gouging’

LITTLE ROCK – With the start of Consumer Protection Week and the April 8 solar eclipse’s path of totality set to encompass a large portion of Arkansas, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following alert to consumers about expected price hikes, particularly for overnight lodging, around the eclipse:

“With the path of totality for the April 8 solar eclipse passing through Arkansas, many businesses are eager to capitalize on the boost in tourism that Arkansas will receive. In many cases that will mean temporary increases in prices, especially for lodging. Private businesses raising rates to match market demand does not constitute price gouging. That does not, however, mean that companies can back out of existing agreements to take advantage of rates brought about by higher demand.

“If you have existing reservations for hotels, event venues or short-term rentals on the day of the eclipse, the business may not cancel the reservation without cause in the hopes of selling the room at a higher rate, nor can they raise the rate after you have confirmed the reservation. Even if the business refunds the deposit, the cancellation may violate consumer protection laws, and the Attorney General may pursue claims for violation of the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, including fines of up to $10,000. Additionally, businesses working together to raise prices may be violating the Arkansas Unfair Practices Act.

“The eclipse will be a unique opportunity for many Arkansas businesses to benefit from a large influx of tourists coming to our state, but businesses still have to operate within the law.”

Here are some helpful tips to help you enjoy the eclipse to the fullest:

• Carefully read the terms of reservation agreements you sign; these are binding contracts.
• Know the cancellation policy of your reservation—who can cancel, for what reason(s), and what notice is required?
• Be sure to take note of all fees associated with the reservation.
• Keep all documents associated with the transaction, including contracts, receipts, the written cancellation policy, and other documentation.

For more information or to file a Consumer Complaint, please visit the Office of Attorney General website www.ArkansasAG.gov or call (800) 482-8982.