The forewarned eclipse traffic is finally upon us in some parts of Oregon. According to Vicky Ryan with Crook County, congestion began as early as Wednesday morning in Prineville, where people are passing through on their way to Big Summit Prairie.
“Our heavy traffic started yesterday morning early by about six o’clock and by late evening it was gridlock out to the east of Prineville," says Ryan. "There was actually last night cars parked on the side of the road, people sleeping after a long day of travel they couldn’t move so they just parked their cars and went to sleep.”
Ryan says just a third of the 30,000 expected visitors to the area have passed through already. After a brief closure, authorities have reopened Highway 26, near Prineville. The heavy traffic led to a partial closure and rerouting on Thursday. The congestion is expected to continue through Friday evening. People heading east of Prineville for the eclipse are advised to hold off on driving until the weekend if possible. If you must travel before then, make sure to have plenty of snacks and water with you and to practice patience for the most comfortable trip possible.