04 Apr 2024 | 08:32 PM UTC
North America: Total solar eclipse likely to cause transport and business disruptions across the region, April 8
Total solar eclipse likely to cause transport and business disruptions in parts of Mexico, the US, and Canada, April 8.
A total solar eclipse is likely to cause localized transport and business disruptions across parts of Mexico, the US, and Canada on April 8. The eclipse, during which the Earth's moon will briefly block the sun, will cast a shadow along a "path of totality" in parts of the states of Nayarit, Sinaloa, Durango, Chihuahua, and Coahuila in Mexico; the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine in the US; and the provinces of Ottawa, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. More than 31 million people live within the path of totality, and millions more are expected to travel to locations within this path on April 8; approximately 150 million additional people live within 320 km (200 miles) from the path of totality.
The time for the eclipse's totality varies depending on the location: at around 11:07 in Mazatlan, 12:14 in Durango, and 12:19 in Torreon, Mexico; between 13:40-14:04 in parts under Central Daylight Time in Central US, between 15:13-15:33 in areas under the Eastern Daylight Time in northeast US and parts of Canada; between 16:33-16:39 under Atlantic Daylight Time in eastern Canada, and at 17:12 in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Cities and towns across the path of totality are likely to receive many visitors, and hotel and other lodging availability may be minimal from April 7-8. Schools will remain closed on April 8 in some locations across the path of totality, including in North Texas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland, as well as in parts of Ontario and Quebec. Government buildings will also be closed in multiple locations, and some local governments have declared states of emergency to increase their resources, given numerous events related to the eclipse.
Transport
The influx of tourists to the path of totality will likely lead to significant traffic congestion along major highways in the hours prior and especially after the total solar eclipse. The worst conditions are likely around Mazatlan, Victoria de Durango, and Torreon in Mexico, central and northern Texas, Indiana, central and northern Ohio, and northern New York in the US, and around Hamilton, Ontario, Montreal, and Quebec in Canada.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised that air traffic management initiatives are possible throughout the day. These initiatives aim to control the increased congestion in the airspace and higher traffic at airports along the eclipse path. Passengers are advised to expect possible delays to and from US airports due to the increased number of commercial and general aviation flights operating during the event.
Allow plenty of additional driving time if operating in the path of totality April 8; consider waiting to drive to nonessential destinations for a few hours after totality has passed and traffic has lessened. Ensure that vehicles are properly fueled, especially in rural locations. Avoid pulling over to view the eclipse along area roadways; be aware of possible distracted drivers during the few minutes of totality. Arrive at airports serving areas in the path of totality early following the eclipse due to higher-than-normal passenger volumes and wait times for check-in and security screenings. Confirm all hotel reservations and business appointments in advance. Prepare for the possibility of slow or limited cellphone service; ensure alternative communication channels are established for emergency situations. Do not look directly at the sun without approved eye protection, even during totality.
