AUSTIN, Texas — We are less than a week away fromEarly Tuesday afternoon, local leaders provided an update on how they're preparing for the eclipse, as we expect a rush of visitors to arrive in the Austin area over the next six days.“Our community has a chance to really view something spectacular, and we want everyone to do that safely, to prioritize their wellbeing, and to know how to prepare,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.
Leaders said they have emergency management teams ready to go, crews to help with traffic on deck, and have “We have 319 rooms, including five of our presidential suites,” Guse said."No rooms will be available as of right now." Ken Snipes, director of Austin's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office, said hotels downtown are at a 77% occupancy rate from Saturday to Monday and hotel rates are up 48% from this time last year.All those visitors need somewhere to eat too. Terry Black's Barbecue said it's on top of getting ready for the rush.He said staff have been talking with vendors to make sure they’re stocked up on food to accommodate the crowds.