PREVIEW

'Newsweek' reports that the Oklahoma National Guard will be deployed during the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse. On March 20, the state said the guard would be deployed to assist emergency management dealing with "an unprecedented number of tourists". McCurtain County, in the southeast part of the state, is expected to see as many as 100,000 tourists visit the area. "This influx of visitors has the potential to overtax local resources and thanks to the training and experience our Guardsmen have working alongside local agencies all across Oklahoma, the CST is uniquely qualified to support our fellow Oklahomans.", Lt. Col Jabonn Flurry, Commander of the 63rd Civil Support Team, via 'Newsweek'. According to NASA, McCurtain County's city of Idabel is predicted to be one of the 13 best spots in the country to see the rare celestial event. Officials across the eclipse's path of totality have expressed concerns that public safety resources will be stretched thin as the spectacle draws massive crowds. Similarly, schools along the path of totality have announced they would close for the day, citing concerns for student safety. In at least four states, residents have been urged to stock up on groceries and gas ahead of the event, as local roads are expected to be overrun with tourists. The Federal Highway Administration has warned that increased traffic could lead to a number of safety concerns, including the potential for wildfires. The April 8 eclipse's path of totality stretches from northern Mexico across the eastern U.S. into New England

THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT