SALEM -- The state of Oregon is fully prepared for next week's solar eclipse and the estimated 1 million visitors coming for the extraordinary event, Gov. Kate Brown said Tuesday.
Planning for the Aug. 21 eclipse is perhaps the most robust in state history, Brown said during a nearly 30-minute news conference in Salem, flanked by more than a dozen officials from various state agencies.
"We are more than ready for this event," the governor proclaimed.
Brown and state officials overseeing roads, forests and police emphasized the importance of their preparations. But they also tempered expectations by calling on Oregonians and visitors to plan ahead, keep calm and help maintain a safe situation.
"As prepared as the state is, it will take the collective actions of individual Oregonians and our visitors to help make this historic event both safe and fun for everyone," Brown said. "I cannot overstate the importance of planning ahead and preparing for traffic."
State agencies are beginning their on-the-ground eclipse work Wednesday and expect to remain on high alert through at least Aug. 22. Among other things, Oregon State Parks will launch a statewide open-flame ban beginning Wednesday, prohibiting all campfires, tiki torches and candles.
Officials on Tuesday expressed confidence in their ability to handle hazards such as wildfires or health emergencies. And the buoyant news conference included a bit of good news when a weather forecaster predicted clear skies across central and eastern Oregon, with occasional clouds in the Willamette Valley.
The path of totality - where the moon will fully block the sun - stretches across a band of Oregon from Lincoln City to Ontario. But because of that, officials are preparing for the likelihood of gridlock if many sky watchers attempt to travel immediately following the eclipse.
Under one worst-case scenario, backups on Interstate 5 north of Salem could extend 23 miles.
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Andrew Phelps, director of the Office of Emergency Management, said state officials have never planned for an event quite like this. Officials are treating the event as they would any emergency, noting the high likelihood of heavy traffic and potentially poor cell-phone coverage.
Phelps said officials will consistently share information with the public and take steps to stop rumors or the spread of misinformation.
"We understand we have one chance to get this right from a public safety preparedness standpoint," he said.
In anticipation of potential problems, military crews from the Oregon National Guard will be strategically placed across the state to help with traffic management, firefighting, medical evacuations and search and rescue incidents.
Adjutant Gen. Michael Stencel called on citizens to help ensure the event is a success.
"Individual preparedness, patience and cooperation are critical to mitigating hazards and facilitating a quick response for assistance, if it is needed," he said.
Doug Grafe, chief of fire protection for the Oregon Department of Forestry, said Oregon has already had a "very challenging fire season." Crews are currently managing 12 fires, with four in or near the path of totality.
Now, the eclipse - and the fire risks associated with it - come at what typically is the height of wildfire season.
"We have to be ready and prepared," Grafe said. "And I'm very comfortable that we are."
Perhaps the best bit of news Tuesday came from Tyree Wilde, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Portland. Temperatures statewide are expected to be in the 80s, with clear skies in central and eastern Oregon. Forecasters also don't expect any thunderstorms.
But Wilde did say the coast and Willamette Valley could see "occasional clouds." Of greater concern, a weather system is slated to hit Oregon on Tuesday and it could bring even more sun-blockers on the off chance it arrives early.
"The timing of that weather system is critical," Wilde said.
As it stands today, however, forecasters think those clouds will stay off shore for the eclipse - a forecast that is likely to delight many visitors and Oregonians.
"So," Wilde said, "that's good news."
-- Brad Schmidt
503-294-7628
@_brad_schmidt