Governor Hochul informs the people of New York of the state’s efforts to provide a safe viewing experience for this once-in-a-generation event, two weeks ahead of the first total solar eclipse to cross the entire state in 99 years. Since October 2022, local authorities and Governor Hochul’s Interagency Task Force have been working together to prepare. Governor Hochul warns travelers to be ready for high traffic and reminds residents of New York to wear appropriate eye protection during eclipses. Governor Hochul also released the Buffalo Bills PSA with safety tips. NASA and State Parks throughout New York will host events on April 8 and in the weeks before the event.
State’s Preparations Before The Eclipse
Recently, Governor Hochul updated the state’s preparations for the once-in-a-generation eclipse. She ensured a safe and memorable experience for everyone who was planning to visit New York on that day. Hochul called a meeting of an interagency task force with representatives from around two dozen state agencies and authorities in October 2022. For the last seventeen months, the gang has been working together as New York prepares for hundreds of thousands of tourists. To ensure the smoothest possible experience for everyone, Hochul is reminding travelers of a few key points. To escape the worst traffic, she suggests that passengers arrive early and remain late. They should also factor in extra time for their trip and pack snacks and water. Her team also advised against pulling over on the side of the road to guarantee that first responders can get by in an emergency. Hochul shared that there was no better place to view the eclipse than their beautiful state and also mentioned that they were ready to welcome millions of visitors.
Along with her team, the governor has been directing the Thruway Authority, Department of Transportation, and New York State Police to get ready for an uproar in traffic. To manage it the governor has asked the visitors to be patient, have backups, and obey traffic rules. She insists on getting proper eye protection as viewing the eclipse with bare eyes can cause major problems. The administration would ensure New Yorkers know where to find proper eye protection glasses. The administration is working with local authorities to ensure that the people have tools to manage the influx of visitors. A PSA featuring members of the Buffalo Bills reiterating important safety measures will be released. A warning message was sent to New Yorkers to protect themselves from scams, merchandise, and phony accommodation listings. The governor advised New York residents to be weather-ready, bring enough water, and the right equipment, and, keep an eye out for ticks if camping.
I LOVE NY And Come For The eclipse, Stay For New York Campaign
The multi-platform campaign “Come for the Eclipse, Stay for New York” has been created by I LOVE NY to promote New York as the destination for this event. In addition to highlighting where to view location details in the five regions that will experience the path of totality, the campaign, and a special eclipse website also highlight several attractions and special eclipse-related events taking place throughout the state on various digital platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X. I LOVE NY’s collaboration with renowned artist and professional astronomer Dr. Tyler Nordgren produced a limited edition eclipse poster that can be downloaded.
I LOVE NY put up a unique eclipse playlist on Spotify with songs that either mention the eclipse or New York state or are directly related to the eclipse, to enhance any eclipse-related travel or watching experience. More than 80 meticulously selected songs are available for a total eclipse soundtrack, ranging from timeless tunes like Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” to David Bowie’s “Starman” and Taylor Swift’s “Welcome to New York”.
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A complete eclipse will pass over 29 counties in western and northern New York state on the afternoon of April 8. There will still be 88% to over 99% coverage in other parts of the state that are not on the path of totality. August 2044 will mark the next total solar eclipse that the contiguous United States will be able to see.