BUFFALO, N.Y. — State and local officials are ramping up reminders for people who will be on the road April 8, when the total solar eclipse spans Western New York.
You're going to see more and more signs along the roadways, urging people to arrive early and stay late to events that day, and to expect delays with the increase of tourists who will come to the region.
Some estimates have suggested anywhere between 500,000 and a million people could visit the region to watch the eclipse that afternoon. In fact, City of Buffalo leaders earlier this month asked residents to do routine tasks — grocery shopping, picking up items, getting gas, etc. — in advance or after April 8, citing an influx of visitors who will clog the roads.
"A total solar eclipse will darken the skies across Buffalo for nearly four minutes," Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said during a March 8 news conference, addressing all the safety preparations for such a big event.
"While we want this once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event to be enjoyed, we are asking city residents today to take this rare event seriously, to plan ahead if you haven’t already, be patient and be prepared."
The New York State Department of Transportation even took to social media on Thursday, telling people not to wear eclipse glasses while driving.
"These glasses block almost all visible light, which will make driving nearly impossible. So, if you’re driving during the eclipse, let's keep our eclipse glasses off and our focus on the road," the state said.
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