NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on the state’s preparations to ensure everyone can have a safe and memorable total solar eclipse viewing experience on April 8.
The governor held the news conference virtually at Niagara Falls State Park Education Center with other administration officials in preparation for a high volume of traffic and visitors in our area.
Hochul said she is advising travelers to arrive at their destinations early and plan on staying late, allow for extra travel time, monitor the weather forecast before getting on the road, and pack plenty of water and snacks for the trip.
“New York is prepared to welcome visitors from around the world to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, and I urge all travelers to be prepared for a high volume of traffic,” Governor Hochul said.
“This truly is a once-in-a-generation event, and my administration has been working for 18 months to ensure a safe and enjoyable viewing experience for all. With our world-class parks and charming downtowns, I encourage visitors to come for the eclipse, but stay for all that New York has to offer.”
She also added that drivers should never pull over on the side of the road to view the eclipse to ensure first responders can get by in an emergency.
According to the news release, the total eclipse will encompass 29 counties in the western and northern parts of New York State. For other areas of the state that are outside the path of totality, there will still be 88% to over 99% coverage.
Hochul said the state has been preparing for this day since October 2022, when she put together an Interagency Task Force comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities.
The Task Force has been collaborating for the past 18 months on plans to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the eclipse. Hochul said they have been working with her administration to ensure everyone can safely enjoy this once-in-a-generation event by:
- The Governor is urging travelers to be patient, be prepared for backups, and always obey traffic rules.
- Activating state agencies to prepare for weather-related emergencies and urging travelers to monitor the forecast, especially in the Adirondacks after this week’s storm.
- Ensuring New Yorkers know where to find the proper eye protection. During the eclipse, looking directly at the sun without specialized eye protection can result in serious injury.
- Working with agencies and local authorities to ensure communities have the tools they need to manage an influx of visitors.
- Warning New Yorkers to protect themselves against potential scams, fake merchandise, and phony accommodation listings.
The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous United States will not be until August 2044.