BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo leaders are preparing for total solar eclipse on April 8, when hundreds of thousands of visitors will flock to the area.
City officials on Friday insisted there could be between 500,000 and 1 million people coming to the area to watch the eclipse, with a path of totality that will span 2,000 miles across the country.
Within that path live 31 million Americans who won't have to travel to see this unique event, but for those who are traveling, Buffalo and Western New York is an attractive option.
"With Buffalo so uniquely positioned to view this celestial event, people from around the country will be flocking here to see it for themselves," Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said in a statement. "Public safety is our top priority, and we will be ready to ensure it will be a safe and enjoyable experience for all."
NASA provided these time estimates for when to enjoy the eclipse on April 8:
- Partial eclipse begins: 2:04 p.m.
- Totality begins: 3:18 p.m.
- Maximum totality: 3:20 p.m.
- Totality ends: 3:22 p.m.
- Partial eclipse ends: 4:32 p.m.
Brown said Friday during a news conference that he doesn't want to turn the eclipse into an apocalypse, and so he made no mention of the possibility of issuing a state of emergency. He did, however, ask people to "take this event seriously and prepare in advance, much like they would for a winter storm."
So, what exactly does that mean?
For starters, city leaders are asking 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.
EMS services might be delayed, given the amount of people and law enforcement agencies getting ready to work that day.
City leaders also suggested the best place to watch the total solar eclipse is at your own home, even if you would rather be in a unique spot or an elevated location.
If you are heading out to watch the eclipse — there's no shortage of events and locations planned — city officials ask that you attend one that's within walking distance of your home. If you're driving, be prepared to get there early and stay late.
"Four weeks from today, a total solar eclipse will darken the skies across Buffalo for nearly four minutes," the mayor said. "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."
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