FAA: Solar eclipse could impact air travel
ELYRIA, Ohio (WJW) – It’s the final countdown to the eclipse, and no matter how you plan to travel, expect delays.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice about potential flight restrictions and reroutes along with higher-than-normal traffic volumes in the eclipse path.
Estimates have up to 550,000 people potentially traveling to Ohio to watch the phenomenon, according to Lorain County Director of Emergency Management Dave Freeman. This week, a team of safety experts is running through planning sessions for any potential emergencies.
Learn more about the eclipse here
“It’s not doomsday or the apocalypse, what we’re asking you to do is just be prepared,” said Freeman.
People are advised to visit grocery stores and fill up cars ahead of April 8, to avoid anticipated traffic congestion.
“That’s one of the things I see as a potential problem,” Freeman said. “Grocery stores have a lot of food, restaurants have a lot of food, gas stations, it’s limited. There’s so much in those tanks and once they run out, that’s it and they might not get a supply truck in if all this traffic is clogging the roadways.”
As for phones and possible outages due to crowd size slowing networks, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile report it can handle increased traffic. Freeman said travelers should keep a paper map in their car if unfamiliar with the area.
Jellybeanville is back and in the path of totality
“Have paper maps in your car because you may not be able to get on GPS and if you don’t know where you’re going and you’re visiting the area, you might need that paper map to go home,” said Freeman.
Initially, Freeman along with other county emergency management agencies advised locals to stay home during the eclipse due to tourism and possible backups on roads. However, the advice was issued before cities announced watch parties. Freeman said the agency is prepared to handle challenges.
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