On Monday Aug. 21, the moon’s shadow will block the sun. Everyone in the United States will experience the solar eclipse, but people in Oregon will have some of the best views. The eclipse will begin at 9:06 a.m. in Portland. The morning sky will change to dusk then darkness as the shadow covers 99 percent of the sun by 10:19 a.m. By 11:38 a.m. typical daylight will return.
The total eclipse, where the sun will be 100 percent covered, will be visible in a band about 25 miles south of Multnomah County.
Multnomah County offices and clinics will be open for business at the usual hours.
Six safety tips for the Solar Eclipse 2017
Safety tip: Allow extra time whether driving, taking MAX or Tri-Met.
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You need protective glasses. No matter where you are in Oregon, looking at the sun without eclipse glasses will burn your retinas and permanently damage your eyes. This is especially true for children. Sun glasses are NOT enough. Eclipse safety glasses are available at major grocery stores for about $2.
Safety tip: This NASA guide shows you how to safely watch and photograph the eclipse. Remember it is never safe to remove your eclipse glasses during a partial eclipse.
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Traffic will be extremely heavy. With a million visitors arriving in Oregon, traffic is expected to pick up in the Portland metro area beginning Thursday Aug. 17 and get worse every day. The worst traffic jams are expected Monday, Aug. 21 and Tuesday, Aug. 22.
Safety tip: Prepare to spend hours in your car. Keep extra water, food, and prescriptions with you and plot your potty breaks or bring toilet paper and a honey bucket.
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Beginning Friday, expect long lines for gas and groceries.
Safety tip: Gas up and shop early and keep extras on hand.
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Cell phone coverage may be disrupted.
Safety tip: Keep your phones charged and make a plan for your family if you lose contact.
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Pause to enjoy this amazing event. Oregon is one of only 12 states in the path of totality.
Safety tip: Don’t sleep in. The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. won’t happen until April 8, 2024.
View our translated tips for the solar eclipse in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese and Arabic.