A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, with a total solar eclipse occurring in several states in the United States.
According to Forbes, up to 3.7 million people are expected to travel for the event.
If you are considering traveling on the Path to Wholeness, please consider the following travel warnings from affected state leaders.
Airport travel warning
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a press release that 40,000 to 50,000 flights per day are expected over the next few days due to a surge in travel related to spring break and the eclipse.
“Due to the large number of aircraft and drones attempting to witness the total solar eclipse, travelers flying along the eclipse's path may experience limited parking and delays at the airport,” a press release said. It is stated in.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), some of the airports that may be affected by eclipse travel are:
- Arkansas.
- Illinois.
- Indiana.
- Kentucky.
- Maine.
- Missouri.
- New Hampshire.
- new york.
- Ohio.
- Oklahoma.
- Pennsylvania.
- Texas.
- Vermont.
States with travel warnings
Traffic in and near the total zone is expected to be heavy and “potentially deadly,” according to USA Today.
According to the article, conditions will be especially dangerous immediately after the eclipse ends, as most eclipse tourists plan to return home soon.
Please be careful if you visit any of the following states:
arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Public Safety hosted a training earlier this year to prepare public safety personnel for potential disruptions from eclipse events.
A Feb. 15 press release said, “Several scenarios could impact Arkansans during the eclipse, including severe weather, traffic/traffic management issues, and potential fuel shortages.” .
The Arkansas Department of Transportation issues a warning about wearing proper safety eyewear.
For a map of areas where traffic is expected, see the state's 2024 Eclipse Traffic Management Plan.
illinois
The Illinois DOT offers the following travel tips:
- Significant traffic congestion is expected on all routes into and out of the area immediately following the eclipse.
- Please turn on your car headlights during the eclipse.
- Do not take photos or videos or wear eclipse glasses while driving.
- Before viewing the eclipse, pull out of your driveway and park in a safe location.
Travel requirements for the day of the event can be found at Move Illinois.
Indiana
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb declared a state of disaster emergency for the entire state as part of efforts to prepare for an influx of hundreds of thousands of tourists.
Visit Indiana offers the following tips for residents and visitors to the state.
- Please keep your tank full of gas.
- Bring a few gallons of water.
- Bring non-perishable snacks.
- Use the correct eclipse glasses.
- Please bring extra autofluid.
- Please bring your cell phone and car charger.
- Please bring a physical or paper map.
- Please bring cash.
- Please bring additional medications.
- Pack your first aid kit.
- Keep a basic toolkit on hand.
- Please have jumper cables in your car.
- Bring a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
- Keep a spare tire or flat tire kit.
- Pack emergency flare ore reflector.
kentucky
According to WCLU Radio, the Kentucky Department of Transportation advises travelers to:
- Stay informed about road congestion.
- Please be patient while driving.
- Carry essentials such as water, snacks, first aid kit, and sunscreen.
- Please carpool or use public transportation.
- Respect the local community.
maine
Maine Gov. Janet Mills and other state leaders have been working together to plan for the eclipse, according to Maine.gov. Their recommendations for residents and visitors are:
- Wear eclipse glasses during the eclipse, but not while driving.
- Plan your travel route in advance.
- Bring safety-related supplies: paper maps, car emergency kit, and water.
- Have a full tank of gasoline.
- Avoid dirt roads.
missouri
The Missouri Department of Transportation offers the following highway safety tips.
- Do not stop on major roads or shoulders.
- Get off the highway before taking photos of the eclipse. Be sure to stop before taking photos.
- Turn on your headlights when the sky gets dark.
- Be careful of pedestrians on the road.
- Be prepared for traffic jams on the roads.
- If possible, avoid traveling during a solar eclipse.
Information about Missouri traffic conditions can be found on the Department of Transportation's website.
new hampshire
New Hampshire leaders expect heavy and potentially dangerous traffic in Coos County on April 8.
According to the travel advisory, “some minor highways and local roads are not designed to handle heavy traffic and may be susceptible to ice heave and very soft shoulders during northern spring.” , the state is encouraging tourists to drive on state highways.
new york
New York State Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald shared the following tips for eclipse travelers in a YouTube video.
- Please use certified eclipse glasses.
- Get ready for the outdoors. The weather in New York can be snowy, rainy, and sunny in the same day.
- If you do travel, give yourself extra time as there will be many other people traveling as well.
Ohio
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order as part of an effort to prepare the state for the eclipse.
Among other things, the order directs law enforcement agencies in the state to assist local law enforcement agencies and be prepared to respond to emergencies.
oklahoma
In a video released by the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Gov. Kevin Stitt and state officials discussed the state's plans for eclipse traffic.
Here's what Oklahoma looks like:
- To prevent traffic congestion, certain roads will be temporarily closed to large packages on Sundays and Mondays.
- The Oklahoma National Guard is ready to deploy to southeastern Oklahoma.
- Travelers are reminded not to stop in roadways during the eclipse and to be aware of pedestrians.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has a safety page on its website with warnings for visitors.
Among other things, we encourage travelers to plan ahead and put down their phones while driving.
texas
According to Fox 4, Dallas officials have taken the following steps to promote safety.
- Dallas Fire Rescue is working to increase its staffing and planning for a possible increase in emergencies.
- The Dallas Police Chief said he is canceling all police furloughs to maintain staffing levels.
- There is no garbage collection on Mondays.
- If severe weather becomes an issue, our emergency management office is ready.
The Texas Department of Transportation shared the following safety tips regarding the solar eclipse:
- Crowds are expected.
- Watch out for pedestrians.
- Keep your headlights on even during the day.
- If you're in a car during the eclipse, keep your eyes on the road.
- To view the eclipse, park away from busy areas.
vermont state
The Vermont Department of Transportation issued a commercial vehicle traffic advisory on April 8th. The state is urging drivers to consider alternative routes to avoid traffic jams.
