SANDOVAL — In just two weeks, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. And our listening area is almost in the center of it all.

This has led local municipalities to urge people to be prepared for an onslaught of tourists coming to the area to watch the celestial event.

People are encouraged to fill their gas tanks, and get their groceries, pet needs and medications before April 8, and to expect a massive increase in traffic through our region.

One school district in the area announced over the weekend that they’ll be dismissing students early that day to avoid having school buses, parents, students and staff dealing with likely traffic congestion.

Sandoval School District #501 will dismiss Grade School students at 11:30 a.m. and Junior High and High School students at 11:40 a.m. on April 8. Students will still be served lunch that day.

According to the school district, their decision is based on conversations with area school administrators and guidance from local and state police, IDOT and city officials.

They say they felt with their proximity to US Highways 50 and 51, and the amount of expected traffic from visitors, early dismissal would the best way to protect the safety of students and staff.

Heavy traffic congestion through the Interstate 57 and Interstate 64 corridor will be certain most of the afternoon and late afternoon along with thousands of vehicles bypassing the interstates to take the highway systems through Sandoval.