New York State Police prepare for total solar eclipse

(WSYR-TV) — 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.

Anticipation is running high for not just eclipse-goers, but also state police as we move closer to April 8.

“We’re trying to make sure we have enough resources, so we’re definitely collaborating with local, state, federal agencies,” said Lynnea Crane, PIO and Trooper for Troop E New York State Police.

Two and a half years, that’s how long solar eclipse preparations have been in the works for in areas like Cayuga County, and other counties in totality, with state police expecting thousands of people.

“We’re expecting delays in the traffic patterns, extreme congestion. These are all things that you want to prepare ahead of time for,” said Crane.

If you plan on viewing the eclipse at a hot spot, be prepared to sit in traffic once it’s over.

“Make sure that your car is fueled up, that you have plenty of groceries, water, prescriptions. Make sure that things that you might normally do on that day, maybe you can kind of put them off if you can. If not, prepare ahead of time,” said Crane.

State police are also reminding drivers of this.

“When the full eclipse occurs, it’s very important if you’re moving with traffic, don’t stop your vehicle in the middle of the roadway. You can cause extremely hazardous conditions when you do that,” said Crane.

Even pulling off the side of the roadway isn’t safe.

“We obviously want to make sure the public is safe so that’s why we’ve been planning for two and a half years. We want to make sure that we have enough troopers out there to do the job that we need to do,” said Crane.

State police also encourage neighbors to have extra food and water in their car in case your car breaks down. Make sure your cell phones are fully charged, and keep your phone charger with you.