Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 – Be aware and be…

Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 – Be aware and be prepared.

The upcoming total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event, with safety in mind the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office to provide event information.

The northern section of Oneida County will be in the path of the total solar eclipse from 2:07 p.m. to 4:33 p.m., with totality starting about 3:21 p.m. Totality is expected to last about 1 minute and 24 seconds. During that time, it will appear to be dark even if it is cloudy, the temperature could fall by as much as 10 degrees, and animals and plants may behave as if it’s nighttime.

Those viewing the event should not look directly at the sun without the proper eyewear. Permanent eye damage could result. Only ISO-Certified 12312-2 eclipse glasses should be used. The certification number may also appear as 12312-2:2015. They can be found here: https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters.

The public should expect traffic to be impacted by this event, particularly in the area of State Routes 12 & 28, please note that these remote locations will have limited fuel locations. Some streets and bridges in other areas of the county may be closed for pedestrian viewing. Traffic is expected to be heaviest before after the totality. Even residents who do not plan to watch the eclipse should plan on the following:

- Potential for delayed/disrupted emergency service responses and prolonged response times.

- Potential for stranded motorists.

- Fuel infrastructure may not be able to support an increase in vehicular traffic.

- Gridlocked traffic may increase fuel, food, and water demand depending on duration.

- Cellular networks may be overloaded by high volume.

- Increase in 911 call volume.

- DO NOT PARK or stop in the roadway. If you wish to stop, find a safe location that does not interfere with traffic.

- Plan on staying in the region the night of the event.

- If you can’t stay, fuel/charge up the day before the event.

- Have extra food and water in your vehicle for your trip.

- Have cellphones charged and bring chargers with you.

- Plan on being in traffic for an extended period.

- Plan on viewing the event from designated viewing sites.

IF YOU PLAN ON LEAVING AFTER THE EVENT, BE PATIENT AND RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS ON THE ROADWAYS.

For a round-up of all information related to the eclipse, please visit Oneida County’s special webpage at: https://ocgov.net/total-solar-eclipse-2024/.