With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to converge on the Buffalo area to view the solar eclipse on April 8, city officials are getting prepared. And they’re asking residents to be prepared as well.
Mayor Byron W. Brown and members of the City’s Eclipse Task Force are encouraging Buffalo residents to “take this event seriously and prepare in advance, much like they would for a winter storm,” they said Friday.
Residents are also being reminded to make sure they protect their eyes when viewing the eclipse. In addition to Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester will also be in the path of totality.
City officials expect heavy traffic congestion and possible gridlock, potentially throughout the entire day and into the evening, so Brown has suggested getting important things done ahead of time. That includes appointments and making sure needed medication is on hand.
If city residents plan to attend a viewing party, Brown is urging them to attend one that is in walking distance. If attending an event that is a drivable distance, he said to leave early and be prepared to stay late.
Dr. James D. Reynolds, professor and chair at The Ross Eye Institute, reminded people that the only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses. They are available through several organizations throughout Buffalo, including BuffaloEclipse.org.
More eclipse information from the city can be found online at www.buffalony.gov/eclipse.
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