Nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities have been working with local government to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The path of totality will traverse 29 counties. The rest of the state will see 88-99% coverage.
During the afternoon of April 8, a total eclipse will encompass the western and northern parts of New York. In less than 15 minutes within a 3:15 to 3:30 window, the moon will pass between the earth and sun, turning day into night for 1 1/2 minutes to 3 1/2 minutes. The roughly 100-mile wide path of totality will enter in the southwestern part of the state at just after 3:15 p.m. and will depart northern New York just before 3:30 p.m. Cities and towns within this path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. The entire event will last for up to 2 1/2 hours, marking the time the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast.
For other areas of the state that are outside the path, there will still be quite a celestial spectacle. The minimum coverage in the state will be on Long Island, with the sun being shadowed at 88%. New York City will see 89%coverage with 96% in the Capital Region.
For the last 15 months, an interagency task force, comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities, has been collaborating on plans to ensure a safe and memorable viewing experience for New York State’s residents and visitors. It is focused on building awareness of the state as a prime location to experience the eclipse by gathering important safety and preparedness information, amplifying and supporting region-specific viewing activities, and maintaining regular communication with local governments and municipalities, especially those within the path of totality. New York’s public safety efforts align with the state’s normal jurisdictional role to support local governments in their planning and decision making in accordance with their own codes, laws and needs as this exciting event approaches.
Public safety challenges for such an event include traffic management, communications capabilities and public health and safety. State, county and local public safety and emergency management efforts have been and will continue to be tailored to the anticipated needs from an influx of those who come to view the eclipse from both inside and outside the state.
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