Two Weeks Ahead of First Total Solar Eclipse Over New York State in 99 Years, Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorkers of State Efforts to Ensure a Safe Viewing Experience for This Once-In-A-Generation Event
In October 2022, Governor Hochul convened an Interagency Task Force comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities. The Task Force has been collaborating for the past 17 months on plans to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the eclipse. New York State is expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors, and Governor Hochul is reminding travelers of several tips to ensure the smoothest possible experience for everyone. Governor Hochul is advising travelers to get to their destination early and plan on staying late to avoid the most traffic, allow for extra travel time, and travel 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.
A solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. This rare event is a spectacular sight to behold and has captivated people for centuries.
Governor Hochul is reminding New Yorkers that during the afternoon of April 8, a 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 percent to over 99 percent coverage. The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will not be until August 2044.
For the last 17 months, an interagency task force comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities, has been collaborating on plans to ensure a safe and memorable viewing experience for New York State’s residents and visitors. It is focused on building awareness of the State as a prime location to experience the eclipse by gathering important safety and preparedness information, amplifying and supporting region-specific viewing activities, and maintaining regular communication with local governments and municipalities, especially those within the path of totality.
New York’s public safety efforts align with the State’s normal jurisdictional role over state parks and State roads and support to local governments in their planning and decision making in accordance with their own codes, laws and needs as this exciting event approaches. Public safety challenges for such an event include traffic management, communications capabilities and public health and safety. State, county and local public safety and emergency management efforts have been and will continue to be tailored to the anticipated needs from an influx of those who come to view the eclipse from both inside and outside the state.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “There’s no better place to take in the upcoming solar eclipse than New York State and under Governor Hochul’s leadership every level of government is working around the clock to make sure this event is as safe and enjoyable as possible. The Department of Transportation will have crews and resources out in force to help people get where they need to go before, during and after the eclipse. But everybody needs to do their part and that means planning ahead. We urge everyone to arrive at their destinations early, stay later, avoid parking on the side of the road and, above all, be patient. A lot of people will be on the roads and it’s up to each of us to keep safety top of mind so everyone can enjoy this natural wonder.”
New York State Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Frank Hoare said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the Thruway Authority and its state partners have been coordinating for months to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for motorists. We’re planning for increased staffing across the Thruway system, our service area partner Applegreen, has been distributing free eclipse glasses and plans to have their facilities fully staffed and stocked in advance of the event. We encourage motorists to arrive to their viewing location early and to stay late to avoid the traffic rush after the event.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “On April 8th, New Yorkers from the shores of Lake Erie to the Adirondack High Peaks and points in between will have the breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse. In close coordination with our State agency partners, DEC is encouraging eclipse watchers statewide to enjoy the magnificence of the eclipse safely and responsibly with respect both for others and our shared environment.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The most important step to ensure New Yorkers enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event is to protect your eyes. ISO certified eclipse glasses will shield your eyes from serious and possibly permanent damage, which can occur by looking at the eclipse with regular sunglasses or without any eye protection. I am grateful Governor Hochul is making the specialized glasses available in dozens of locations around the State to ensure this experience is a safe and enjoyable one.”
