New York State Police Issues Warnings Ahead Of Solar Eclipse

New York State Police is warning residents about the upcoming once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse. On Monday, April 8, 2024, some New Yorkers will be in the path of the total eclipse. Many people from around the state and other areas are planning to travel to witness the eclipse, which raises concerns among police.

Certain New York residents are in for a very special, exclusive cosmic event, which won't happen again until 2033. According to the Farmers' Almanac,

The last “Great North American Eclipse,” which took place in 2017, went coast-to-coast and was visible for the approximately 11 million people who were situated inside the 70-mile-wide path of totality.

The path for the next Great North American Eclipse will be a bit wider, at 125 miles, giving millions more a chance to witness its brilliance.

What Is A Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse is a special event. According to NASA,

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

In order to view a total solar eclipse, you need to take safety precautions to protect your eyes. NASA offers some tips that you can find here.

The total solar eclipse's path will be from Mexico starting around 11:07 a.m. PDT, into Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Once it has traveled through the United States, it will enter Canada into Southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.

New York State Police Have Concerns Due To Eclipse

Residents may want to stock up on groceries and supplies in the days before the eclipse as there may be an increased demand due to visitors.

"The New York State Police, in close collaboration with other state, local, and federal law enforcement, emergency services, and transportation agencies, has meticulously developed an emergency operation plan. Our unwavering goal is to provide a comprehensive and uniform presence, ensuring the safety of both visitors and residents as they experience and travel home from the eclipse."

New York State Police issued a press release listing its concerns due to the influx of people visiting:

- Potential disruptions of transportation systems

- Potential emergency service delays or disruptions

- Potential for stranded drivers

- Potential travel concerns due to out of the area visitors driving in inclement weather

- Gas shortages due to increased travelers

- Traffic jams due to increased demand for fuel, food, and water

- Cellular networks could overload due to high volume

- Increased 911 call volume

Troopers warn drivers not to park or stop in the roadway.

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