Crowds expected for eclipse

When Cherokee County’s Office of Emergency Management offered warnings about the eclipse impact to their residents last week, many Clay County residents took note. What many people may not realize is Clay County’s emergency agencies have been meeting and making emergency plans for months.

On  Monday, Aug. 21, western North Carolina will experience a total eclipse of the sun. For about two and half minutes, the totality of the eclipse will occur, followed and preceded by a partial eclipse for most of the afternoon. Because this is a once in a lifetime experience, people are expected to arrive from around the country to witness the celestial event which will have a narrow path of totality.