12-hour traffic jams and lines at gas stations: New York authorities prepare for chaos during a solar eclipse

12-hour traffic jams, gas stations unable to keep up with demand for fuel, overloaded cellular networks - these are just some of the circumstances that are straining New York authorities in the run-up to... total solar eclipse, Said New York Upstate.

Squad B, serving the Adirondacks, and Troop E, based in Canandaigua, recently announced that state police have developed an emergency plan based on “lessons learned” from the 2017 solar eclipse. They warned the public to prepare for an influx of people that would disrupt traffic on April 8, the day of the eclipse.

Although weather greatly influences how many tourists choose New York City as their eclipse viewing destination, the estimates are impressive.

Erie County officials are preparing for a million tourists to descend on the Buffalo area. According to the newspaper Democrat & Chronicle, up to 500 people will come to Rochester. Officials estimate about 000 visitors will travel to the Adirondack Park.

Other difficulties

In addition to traffic congestion, the military detailed the problems that state police believe both regions may face during the solar eclipse.
Both groups warned that gas stations may not be able to cope with the influx of motorists. In the Rochester and Adirondacks area, police fear traffic jams could leave motorists stuck in traffic and make it difficult for emergency responders to quickly reach emergency services.

Police are urging visitors and local residents to prepare for the fact that leaving the region could take from 4 to 12 hours. Fearing that an influx of tourists will lead to traffic congestion and dwindling supplies, Tupper Lake Supervisor Rick Datolla said the city plans to warn residents to fill up their tanks and stock up on food.

On the subject: How to see a solar eclipse in New York: the most interesting events

The state has been preparing for the eclipse for 17 months and has learned from the past, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

“We saw last time, many years ago, there were traffic jams and people running out of gas. We will not let this happen to us because we are New Yorkers and we will prepare.”

The governor said she has directed the state police, as well as the department of transportation and highway authorities to prepare for a “large number” of travelers. To ensure uninterrupted traffic flow, construction work will be suspended.

Highways Authority (Thruway Authority) has compiled a list of “pros and cons” for traveling during the eclipse to help New Yorkers and visitors prepare for the traffic jams that will inevitably occur on the day.

Tips for those planning to travel during the eclipse:

• Arrive to the observation site early and stay longer;
• Allow extra time to get to your destination;
• Use only service areas, stops and parking lots for short-term parking;
• Don't park on the side of the highway or stop in the middle of traffic;
• Don't stand on the side of the highway;
• Put your phone down while driving.