ILYRIA, Ohio (WJW) – Today is the final countdown to the solar eclipse, and no matter how you plan your trip, expect delays.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a notice of possible flight restrictions and route changes due to higher-than-usual traffic along the eclipse's path.
Lorain County Emergency Management Director Dave Freeman estimates that up to 550,000 people could travel to Ohio to see the phenomenon. This week, our team of safety experts is conducting planning sessions for potential emergencies.
“This is not the end or the apocalypse. All we are asking you to do is be prepared,” Freeman said.
People are being encouraged to visit the grocery store and fill up their cars before April 8 to avoid expected traffic jams.
“That's one of the things that I see as a potential problem,” Freeman said. “There's a lot of food in the grocery store, a lot of food in the restaurants, a finite amount of food at the gas station. If traffic clogs the roads, supply trucks may not be able to come.”
When it comes to phones and potential outages due to network slowdowns due to congestion, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile report being able to handle increased traffic. Freeman said if travelers aren't familiar with the area, they should keep a paper map in their car.
“Put a paper map in your car, as GPS may not work. If you're visiting an area without knowing where you're going, you may need that paper map to get home. “No,” Freeman said. .
Initially, Freeman, along with other county emergency management agencies, advised local residents to stay home during the eclipse, citing tourists and possible road backups. But the advisory came before cities announced their watch parties. Freeman said officials are ready to meet the challenge.
