WARREN COUNTY, NY – Warren County residents are asked to prepare for heavy traffic, possible cell phone service disruptions and other potential impacts as large crowds come to the region for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse.
Northwestern Warren County is among the areas of Upstate New York that will experience a total solar eclipse the afternoon of Monday, April 8. The hamlet of North River and adjacent areas are expected to see a total blackout for over one minute starting at 3:25 p.m.
The remainder of Warren County will see a partial eclipse, with near darkness. Much of the Adirondacks will see a total eclipse, which means traffic on Warren County roads will be heavy heading north and south should weather conditions be optimal.
Warren County Office of Emergency Services recommends;
- Those wishing to view the eclipse find a spot off of a road and refrain from viewing from a roadside.
- Local residents try to avoid traveling in the hours immediately before and after the eclipse, as heavy traffic is expected when people from outside of the region return home. NY State leaders are forecasting possible gridlock on major roads, with local impacts seen on the Northway/I-87, Route 9, Route 28, Route 149 and Route 8.
- Those who are travelling bring food and water, charge their cellphones and fuel their vehicles before setting out, in case they get stuck in traffic or fuel stations experience supply issues.
- Those who come to Warren County for the eclipse are asked to plan to stay locally Monday night to reduce traffic immediately after the eclipse.
- Individuals planning to view the eclipse directly have eclipse glasses certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 to avoid eye damage.
Warren County Office of Emergency Services, Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Warren County Administrator’s Office staff have held meetings in recent weeks to formulate plans for emergency response if needed.
Warren County Administrator John Taflan said: “We are excited to welcome visitors to Warren County and the Adirondacks for this once-in-a-generation event. We anticipate large crowds coming to and passing through Warren County from other areas to view this eclipse, so we ask that residents and visitors prepare for heavy traffic and possible service disruptions.”
For more information about safe viewing of the eclipse, check out Warren County Health Services’ recently published web resources, linked here.
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