Eclipse mania grips Texas! Austin declares state of emergency as AirBnbs rent for $1,000 a NIGHT with thousands flocking to see rare total eclipse on April 8

Eclipse mania has reached a fever pitch in Texas, with some cities declaring a state of emergency ahead of the April 8 phenomenon. 

Travis County, home to Austin, is the latest to declare an emergency in anticipation of large crowds, increased traffic and strain on police, hospitals and roads.

As many as one million visitors are expected in Central Texas for the event, with the population of Travis County expected to double from 1.3 million to 2.6 million. 

Kerr and Bell counties, which are in the 'path of totality'- where the moon will completely block out the sun causing a temporary darkness- have also issued their own emergency declarations. 

'We are expecting tens of thousands of people to come to our city,' Janell Ford, Executive Director of Communications for the City of Killeen, told local station KCEN.

The 2017 solar eclipse. On April 8, millions will rush to the streets to see the phenomenon again

In the Lone Star State, the eclipse will be visible from around 1 pm to 2 pm, according to NASA. During that time, some areas directly in the path of totality will be in darkness

 'We have about 160,000 population right now and it is expected to more than double just for that weekend.'

The small town is hoping to cash in on the 4 minutes and 16 seconds of darkness it will experience as it's right in the middle of the path of totality.

Many local hotels are already booked up, pushing up prices on home rental sites.

One home advertising as a 'Waco Eclipse Retreat' on Airbnb is listed for $1,022 a night.

'The house is relaxing and comfortable with plenty of room to retreat from all the weekend’s eclipse events,' host Kim says in the listing.

The three-bedroom house in suburban Waco features a deck with a pool and lots of outdoor spaces to gaze at the sky.

The house is not available for any other weekend other than the days leading up to the eclipse. 

Multiple homes in Fredericksburg, Texas are listed for over $1,100 the weekend of the eclipse as that city doubles as the wine-producing center of the Lone Star State

A rental home in Woodway, Texas near Waco is listed on Airbnb for $1,022 a night and pitching itself as the perfect place to watch the eclipse

A Dallas Airbnb listing is renting for $1,358 the weekend of the eclipse. The same house is listed for $700 on other weekends

Multiple homes in Fredericksburg are also priced above $1,100 for the same weekend.

One historic home near Main Street is usually $312 a night, but for eclipse weekend is going for $1,311. 

In Dallas, one home that promises accommodations similar to a luxury hotel costs $1,358 a night for that weekend, but normally rents for about $700. 

Rental homes all over the Lone Star State are branding themselves as the best place to view the 'ring of fire' expected to be visible when the moon completely blocks out the sun.

'Perfect spot to view the October 2023 solar eclipse and Total Solar Eclipse April 2024. This cabin hugs the beautiful Nueces River,' another listing near Camp Wood, Texas reads.

Even cities not in the direct path of totality are getting in on the craze.

In Dallas, dozens of viewing parties are planned.

Airbnb rentals throughout Texas are using the eclipse to advertise to travelers. This home in Killeen is listed for $773 a night

A home in remote Camp Wood, Texas claims to be an 'eclipse stunner' located near the Nueces River

The yellow lines represent the path where people will be able to view the solar eclipse on April 8, while the green line shows the locations directly under the path of totality-- or places that might experience darkness

Parties for the solar eclipse are being planned all over Texas

One rooftop event has a black and white dress code, while other include DJs, food truck, and of course, free eclipse glasses.

However, officials in Austin are urging residents not to drive during that time unless absolutely necessary. 

'Please expect increased traffic on April 8 and the weekend before,' Travis County shared online. 

'Reschedule appointments, run errands another day, and stay at or near home to watch the eclipse.'

In Hays County, government offices will be closed. 

Many schools outside of the Austin area will be closed for the day, while schools in Austin ISD will remain open.