Eclipse tourism expected to pack New York roadways. How area counties are preparing

They're coming.

On roadways or through the air, as many as four million people are expected to be on the move for Monday's total solar eclipse.

New York state is a prime eclipse destination because the path of totality will traverse 29 counties, providing a dazzling view of the corona as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.

Thousands are expected to visit Western New York and areas close to the Canisteo Valley in Steuben County, filling highways, packing hotels and testing infrastructure and resources.

Big cities like Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester are in the path totality and will attract big crowds, but so too are places like Dansville, Mt. Morris, Cohocton and Houghton − smaller communities in the path of a potential traffic storm.

“Folks are going to get as close to this as they possibly can," predicted Bill Bacon, Livingston County Economic Development director.

That could lead to tie ups like seven years ago. Traffic congestion in some regions lasted up to 13 hours after the nation's last solar eclipse in 2017, with the trickiest challenges occurring after the eclipse ended and motorists all tried to leave at once, according to Transportation Research News, a National Research Council publication.

Adding to the public safety and traffic concerns, an estimated 31.6 million people live in the path of totality this year, compared to 12 million in 2017.

"Pack your patience,” Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for AAA, told USA TODAY, adding that many people are expected to be on the roads “whether traveling a great distance” or locally “out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse.”

NYS Police will deploy extra personnel, assets

State and local officials are preparing for heavy traffic and potential delays within and near the path of totality.

"With our state so uniquely positioned to view this celestial wonder, people from around the country will be flocking to New York to see it for themselves and we will be ready," said Jackie Bray, commissioner of the State Division of Homeland Security.

Emergency Operations Centers for the eclipse will be in place in every New York state county, while the State Police will increase available personnel on April 8.

More: Hotels, campgrounds are packed for solar event in Livingston, Steuben, Allegany

Additionally, State Police strike teams will be strategically deployed to “monitor traffic and respond rapidly to any issues that may interfere with the safe flow of traffic or affect the quick clearance of any incidents," the agency said.

Troop E Headquarters in Canandaigua will operate as the command post for State Police operations, with forward operating bases in Rochester, Auburn and Bath.

State Police aviation assets will monitor traffic and be prepared to perform rescue operations if needed, troopers said.

Local governments, schools plan early closures for eclipse

The 100-mile-wide path will enter the southwestern part of the state at just after 3:15 p.m. and will depart northern New York just before 3:30.

Local schools and municipalities in or near the path of totality are taking steps to lessen the traffic burden during that time period.

Livingston County schools are all closed April 8, as are several others in the Hornell area. In cases where districts are holding classes, many are dismissing early to avoid having buses on roads during totality.

Hornell City Hall will close at noon and HAT runs will stop at 1:30 p.m. Both return to regular hours on April 9.

Allegany County government offices and non-essential services will close from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, while services essential to public safety will remain operational.

Livingston County government offices and non-emergency services will also close from noon on Monday through 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Services that are essential to public safety will remain operational.

Wegmans and some other businesses will temporarily close during the eclipse.

Livingston County, in path of totality, urges additional precautions

Livingston County is located fully in the path of totality, and has already marked a surge in hotel and Airbnb bookings.

The county has encouraged residents to fill gas tanks prior to the eclipse as fueling stations may experience long lines or fuel shortages due to increased demand from travelers.

The county also noted that cellular service may be temporarily disrupted due to increased demand on local towers. The county encouraged local businesses to be prepared for urgent requests to use their landline if cellular service is limited.

"Residents should make preparations for communicating plans or choosing meeting spots with family and loved ones before, during and after the eclipse if necessary," the county advised.

Livingston County also recommended that residents ensure any prescription medications are filled before the eclipse, and to consider making adjustments to routine errands due to an expected increase in traffic.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Solar eclipse: Steuben, Livingston, Allegany counties brace for traffic