Starting at 2:39 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21 viewers in the Upstate will experience the longest period of 100 percent total eclipse ranging from two minutes and 30 seconds to two minutes and 36 seconds of total darkness.
Grocery stores, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, transportation services, coffee shops, retail stores, urgent care clinics and many other establishments will experience a jump in business, according to the SCEMD.
Starting at 2:39 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21 viewers who have gathered in areas like Greenville, Columbia and Charleston will experience the longest period of 100 percent total eclipse for a metro area on the entire east coast— ranging from two minutes and 30 seconds to two minutes and 36 seconds of total darkness.
Emergency managers are planning for an estimated influx of more than one million visitors into South Carolina for several days on either side of the eclipse.
Residents
• Start planning now for where you will go to view the eclipse and make sure you're prepared.
• Prepare in advance to take care of your normal weekend activities.
• Fill your car up with gas and buy groceries before the weekend.
• Even if you do not plan to participate in any eclipse-related activities, expect heavy traffic and extremely busy areas in much of South Carolina.
Visitors
• Follow the guidance of local public safety officials and event organizers.
• County emergency managers, local police and fire fighters know their communities and how best to direct you to where you would like to go.