Warning: Disaster Expected After Eclipse In Parts Of New York

The total solar eclipse that will be passing over Upstate and Western New York on April 8th is going to be a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime event for many of us. However, it could also be an extremely dangerous one. 

Forbes estimates that 3.7 million people will travel to a destination in the path of totality to watch it, and that’s on top of the 31 million that live there and plan to witness it. 

The next total solar eclipse we’ll be able to see here in the United States won’t be until 2044, so it’s understandable that people want to come to town to catch the action. That being said, the massive influx of visitors is leading area officials crammed and first responders across New York to prepare for the worst. 

READ MORE: Western New York Locals Say This Is The Best Place To Watch The Eclipse

Enormous Eclipse Crowds Could Have Horrific Consequences

Residents who live in remote and rural areas of New York located in the eclipse’s path need to be aware that the millions of incoming eclipse-viewers could create serious problems. 

For example, New York State Police warns that the population of many towns in New York’s North Country are expected to double in population in the days leading up to the event. Even though visitors will likely arrive to the area at staggered times, everyone leaving at once after the eclipse passes from 3:22 pm to 3:27 pm could cause hazardous conditions on the remote roads of the Adirondack Mountains.

State Troopers highly suggest that visitors make arrangements to stay the night in the area afterwards, but if they must leave, they warn that drivers will likely be in traffic anywhere four to twelve hours after the eclipse. Woah!!!

READ MORE: NYS Thruway Warns Drivers Not To Do THIS During Eclipse

This could cause big problems like gas shortages, increased demand for food and water, cell phone outages from overloaded towers, and first responders having difficulty arriving at medical emergencies. 

The mammoth amount of travelers could even potentially lead to children becoming stranded on their school bus while stuck in traffic, and police are suggesting that local schools give students a half-day or close altogether on the day of the eclipse. 

Dangerous Driving Conditions Post-Eclipse: You Need To Be Prepared

Police will be carrying food and water rations for trapped drivers in the Adirondacks, but if you insist on hitting the road after the solar eclipse, you need to do a lot more to get ready. 

• Drivers should fill their gas tanks the day before the event, and owners of EV cars should charge their vehicles so they have at least 10 hours of battery life. 

• Watch the eclipse from designated viewing sites rather than venturing out on your own

• Charge your cellphone to full battery before you go, and keep a charger with you. 

• Stock up ahead of time on extra supplies, such as food, water, and gas, to keep in your vehicle.

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Watching a total solar eclipse (though the proper glasses, of course!) should be a spectacular experience. But based on the horrific conditions the aftermath may cause, we highly suggest that residents and visitors to New York’s more remote areas heed the warnings from police and stay off the roads completely.