Gov. Kathy Hochul offered safety tips for residents on Sunday ahead of Monday's total solar eclipse. 

The governor says officials have treated the event as if it were a large blizzard or storm in an effort to keep people safe. Residents should prepare for high traffic volume, delays and backups throughout the day on Monday as thousands of people are expected to head to the state to view the total solar eclipse. 

“Our team has spent over 17 months preparing for this event to make sure that you can experience it safely and enjoyably,” she said. 

The governor convened an interagency task force comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities to prepare for the eclipse. Officials say New York State Police, the Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority are prepared for a high volume of traffic. The Governor's Office says vehicles are not allowed to park on the shoulder of the highway to view the eclipse. There will be increased DOT and Thruway crews, and construction and temporary lane closures will be suspended to allow traffic to flow.  

Hochul says that residents should plan ahead for where they want to watch the eclipse due to high traffic volumes. Residents should also keep an eye on the latest forecasts to avoid any rough conditions.  

“We are warning everyone, the roads can only handle so much,” Hochul said. “And we’re expecting a high, high volume of traffic before and after the event as people go to the destinations they want to visit.” 

Extended travels delays are expected, especially in rural areas within the path of totality. 

The Governor’s Office released these safety tips and resources on Thursday: 

• Protect your eyes with specialized solar viewing glasses. 
• Plan on staying in one place for the day due to anticipated traffic volume.  
• Allow for plenty of extra travel time.  
• Also remember to gas up your vehicle and pack snacks, water, blankets, and extra clothes in your car – weather this time of year can vary from warm temperatures to cold temperatures with snow. 
• Do not stop to view the eclipse along the roadway, first responders need to be able to get through if there is an emergency. 
• Share your trip details with an emergency contact and make sure they have your itinerary, including travel details such as driving route and hotel information. 

The state has additional safety tips and viewing locations at iloveny.com.  

“It will be breathtaking to see the sun covered in its totality, leaving us mere mortals in darkness, for over three minutes,” Hochul said. “This total eclipse will pass through some of the most beautiful backdrops our state has to offer, from Letchworth State Park to the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains to the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and of course breathtaking Niagara Falls."

The governor says she plans to watch the event from the Falls. 

“We are literally over the moon to welcome over 1 million to our state for this once-in-a-generation moment,” Hochul said. 

The governor touted the large influx of visitors who have headed to the state to view the eclipse, saying the surge is a benefit to small businesses. 

“Our small businesses are basking in the limelight,” Hochul said. “They’re going to be welcoming people from all over as people see how our hidden gems are scattered all across the state, the small businesses, the restaurants, the diners [and] the bakeries. And we know those visiting for the first time will definitely want to come back.”