New York State prepares for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse

George Gandy
·2 min read
9

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — In just two weeks — people will be looking to the skies for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse, Governor Hochul and state leaders are preparing residents for the big day.

The eclipse will take around two hours to pass across all of New York State, with only a brief window of being in the path of totality. State officials say they have been planning for the eclipse for 18 months.

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State officials said if you plan to travel in order to view the eclipse, you are encouraged to leave lots of time for traveling and be patient. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in New York State and this may lead to congestion.

In order to aid with congestion, Commissioner Jackie Bray of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management says the state is sending out assets such as heavy tow trucks and help trucks from the Department of Transportation to help those driving in. Residents and travelers are encouraged to use 511NY for updates. All gas stations are topped off for April 8.

Those parking for the eclipse are told to park in designated spots so emergency vehicles can maneuver on the roads safely. Residents are encouraged to try and not travel on the day of the eclipse.

Those heading to a state park are warned that state parks’ campgrounds are 100% sold out for Sunday and 93% sold out for Monday, the day of the eclipse.

Residents are also encouraged to purchase a pair of Eclipse-viewing glasses for safe viewing and to check to make sure the glasses you buy are effective.

Those traveling from outside New York to view the eclipse are encouraged to “arrive early and stay late.” The state has a website set up dedicated to the eclipse, such as glasses, merchandise, and a music playlist.

Everyone is warned that cell phone service will be overloaded on the day of the eclipse, but 911 calls will still go through.

Many people, businesses, and organizations are preparing for the eclipse. Several schools are closed for the day, police are preparing to handle traffic, Wegmans is closing some stores for half an hour for employees to view the eclipse, and residents are grabbing their Eclipse-viewing glasses.

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