To prepare for the forthcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, Canada’s Niagara Falls region recently declared a state of emergency.
Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley released a statement, saying the state of emergency was issued “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Declaring a State of Emergency under the EMCPA strengthens the tools the Region has at its disposal to safeguard the health and safety of residents and visitors and protect our critical infrastructure in any scenario that might arise,” Bradley added.
The Gateway Pundit pointed out that the main reason Canadian officials are issuing the state of emergency one week in advance of the solar eclipse is because 1 million visitors are expected to arrive at the Canadian side of Niagara Falls on the day the eclipse will occur.
Niagara Falls has been labeled by National Geographic as one of the best sights to view the eclipse, which has not been seen in the area since 1979, according to the New York Post.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati estimated that the city would see the highest number of visitors in a single day when the eclipse takes place. The city reportedly averages 14 million visits yearly.
Following the state of emergency announcement, city officials can further prepare for potential traffic jams, cell phone network overloads and a higher need for emergency services, among other things.
Although Niagara Falls is said to be one of the best places to see the solar eclipse, it is not the only location where individuals can watch the eclipse.
The Gateway Pundit previously reported that in New York, officials have warned residents to prepare for cellular disruptions, slow law enforcement response times, traffic jams and high demand for necessities like food and water. New York residents are being urged to stock up on basic resources.
We’re just a little more than two weeks away from this year’s total solar eclipse, and while many neighbors, visitors, and businesses are preparing for this historic day, so are New York State Police.https://t.co/1nwXo8YjRC
— NewsChannel 9 (@NewsChannel9) March 21, 2024
In a statement, the New York State Police said officers would work hard “to maintain order and smooth traffic flow” in the days ahead of the solar eclipse.
“The New York State Police, in close collaboration with other state, local, and federal law enforcement, emergency services, and transportation agencies, has meticulously developed an emergency operation plan,” the department said.
“Our unwavering goal is to provide a comprehensive and uniform presence, ensuring the safety of both visitors and residents as they experience and travel home from the eclipse,” it added. “Members of the State Police will implement security measures appropriate for large gatherings and take all necessary actions to maintain order and smooth traffic flow.”
