‘Totality’ and tourism
Upstate braces for huge influx of eclipse visitors & traffic
The most anticipated astronomical event in years is finally upon us.
After months of frenzy-building preparations and social media hype, the 2024 total solar eclipse is getting ready to dazzle observers as it crosses from Mexico into Texas, and all the way up to Maine on Monday before exiting over eastern Canada.
New York State gets especially lucky, with nearly 3.8 million of its residents living within the path of totality — or the area where a full eclipse can be viewed. However, having a front-row seat to the solar spectacle also means tourists are expected to flock to cities across the north-central part of the state to experience total darkness for nearly four minutes beginning about 3:20 p.m.
While state and local officials have been preparing for the event for months — or even years — the likely record-breaking influx of vehicles in upstate cities including Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse could make for a tricky day on the road.
“The concern is the anticipated traffic jams with more vehicles on the roads, as well as the ability for police and fire departments to be able to respond to any emergency calls that might arise,” said Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. The city of about 276,000 residents, is preparing to receive 1 million tourists for Monday’s event.
Rochester, a city of 210,000 about an hour’s drive away, is expected to welcome between 300,000 and 500,000 visitors, according to the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
Enhanced patrol coverage and the deployment of additional state troopers throughout these areas are being implemented to give New Yorkers and visitors “a safe and unforgettable eclipse viewing experience,” said state police Superintendent Steven James, adding that the agency “is prepared for any potential increase in traffic the eclipse may bring.”
But motorists can also do their part, experts say.
“Our hope is that drivers will make safety a priority when they’re behind the wheel and make good decisions behind the wheel, and thus decrease the potential for crashes,” Mark Gruba, a spokesman for the American Automobile Association of Western and Central New York, told the Daily News.
That means you should keep your eyes on the road, ditch your solar-viewing glasses while driving, put on your headlights during the eclipse, watch out for distracted pedestrians and animals, some of which may be confused by the sudden darkness, and drive at reduced speeds while maintaining additional space between your vehicle and others, Gruba said.
Also, keep in mind that while “you may be following our AAA recommendations, that does not guarantee or ensure that other drivers are making good decisions” behind the wheel, he added.
Gov. Hochul issued an advisory late last month, urging travelers to get to their destinations early and plan on staying late to avoid the most traffic, and to be prepared with water and snacks.
“Additionally, drivers should never pull over on the side of the road to ensure first responders can get by in an emergency,” the update advised.