Experts have already sounded alarm bells about the April solar eclipse causing potential eye damage. They also are warning people to brace for possible cellphone disruptions, flight delays and strains on fuel demand for all the extra cars and people that will be traveling to see the eclipse across the path of totality.
State Police in New York said they are coordinating with other law enforcement officials, along with emergency management and transportation agencies in preparation for the big solar eclipse coming on April 8 — a rare event that is expected to draw huge crowds to the Empire State.
“Cellular networks may be overloaded by high volume,” the New York State Police said in a press release issued last week. On top of that, call volume to the state’s 911 emergency system may rise because of the big influx of people flocking to the state to see the eclipse.
New York is one of 15 states in the U.S. that have areas within the so-called “path of totality” — where the moon will completely block the sun for 2 to 4 minutes during daylight hours on April 8.
Among the slew of concerns voiced by the police agency:
- Potential for transportation system disruptions and/or impacts.
- Potential for delayed/disrupted emergency service responses and prolonged response times.
- Potential for stranded motorists.
- Out-of-the-area visitors and potential weather/road concerns.
- Fuel infrastructure may not be able to support an increase in vehicular traffic.
- Gridlocked traffic may increase fuel, food, and water demand depending on duration.
The state police are urging drivers to “NOT park or stop in the roadway” to watch the eclipse. “If you wish to stop, find a safe location that does not interfere with traffic.”
A report by AL.com says “people are advised to have their cellphones charged and bring chargers with them. Other safety tips include fueling up the day before the event, carrying extra food and water in your car, and, if possible, staying in the region on the night of the event.”
In addition, police are advising visitors not to use electric vehicles “that cannot go 10-plus hours without charging,” the website says.
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a special notice expressing concerns about potential flight delays and rerouting of planes near areas of the United States that will see the total solar eclipse during the daytime on April 8.
Those areas, criss-crossing 15 states, are expected to draw the biggest number of visitors to catch a glimpse of the full eclipse.
This map from NASA illustrates the path of the moon’s shadow across the U.S. during the total solar eclipse coming on April 8, 2024. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely blocks the sun while it passes between the sun and Earth. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk, and those standing in the path of totality may see the sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona) if weather permits.NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
“The purpose of this notice is to inform airmen of the possible impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse path during the period April 7, 2024 (6 a.m. Eastern time) through April 10, 2024″ at midnight,” the FAA notice says.
“Aircraft should be prepared for potential airborne holding, reroutes, and/or Expect Departure Clearance Times (EDCTs) that may be issued for all domestic IFR arrivals and departures. Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs) are possible,” the notice adds.
Among the long list of airports that could be impacted by delays and higher volumes of air traffic during the week of the eclipse are 21 airports in New York state and seven airports in Pennsylvania.
In the U.S., the path of the total solar eclipse will first cover parts of Texas, then move through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, NASA says. Small portions of Tennessee and Michigan will also be in the path of totality.
Stories by Len Melisurgo
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Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality.