After months of anticipation and preparation, the day has finally arrived for millions of Americans who have eagerly awaited the rare total solar eclipse. Spanning from Texas to Maine, this celestial event marks the last opportunity for the contiguous U.S. to witness such a phenomenon for the next two decades.

The eclipse, which casts a shadow on over 30 million people in its direct path of totality, also offers many others the chance to experience a partial eclipse. Totality is set to begin around 1:30 p.m. CT/2:30 p.m. ET and will last for approximately an hour, with several minutes of complete darkness in each location.

Ahead of this extraordinary event, individuals across the country have made extensive travel plans, organized viewing parties, and acquired special eclipse glasses. In Ohio, residents are flocking to the Cleveland Heights Community Center to escape downtown traffic and participate in a scheduled watch party. Others, including visitors from Philadelphia and Charleston, West Virginia, are coming together at Portage Lakes State Park, laying on blankets and ensuring their dogs are safely leashed, as experts recommend.

Not only individuals but also communities in the path of totality have made thorough preparations. Houlton, Maine, the last U.S. city the eclipse will cross, has been planning days of festivities for over two years. In Muncie, Indiana, people have gathered at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, setting up lawn chairs and eagerly donning their eclipse glasses well in advance of totality. The city expects a staggering 100,000 visitors, nearly doubling its population.

As this highly anticipated day unfolds, some states and counties have declared states of emergency to handle the influx of visitors, including Arkansas, Indiana, and several others along the eclipse's path. Vermont, expecting around 160,000 visitors, is facing significant interstate traffic and a shortage of parking spaces. Burlington and Newport have both reached capacity in their parking facilities, leading officials to advise viewers to find alternative parking options.

Weather is another crucial factor for viewers' experience. The National Weather Service (NWS) has predicted clouds throughout much of the path of totality. However, the cloud cover is expected to be high enough to allow partial visibility in places from Texas to Ohio and parts of New England. Northern New England and potentially central Arkansas to southern Indiana are deemed the best areas for clear viewing. Eclipse enthusiasts have assured that even in cloudy or rainy conditions, there are still ways to appreciate the rarity of this celestial event.

However, the NWS has cautioned about severe weather risks post-totality, including flash flooding and possible tornadoes in parts of Texas, southern Oklahoma, southwest Arkansas, and northwest Louisiana. It is advised that travelers exercise caution and stay updated on local forecasts in these areas.

For those unable to witness the eclipse firsthand, NPR will be sharing highlights from across its network throughout the day, allowing everyone to experience this remarkable phenomenon. Stay tuned as updates on this awe-inspiring event continue to unfold.