People have been setting up their spots at popular eclipse-watching locations like Niagara Falls since around 4 or 5 a.m. on Monday.

The eclipse will begin to progress around 2 p.m. this afternoon in the Buffalo-Niagara region. Totality will take place around 3:17 p.m. in Jamestown, 3:18 p.m. in Buffalo and 3:20 p.m. in Rochester. Watertown will reach its peak at 3:22 p.m., Syracuse, moments later, and finally Lake Placid at 3:25 p.m. Folks in Albany, the Hudson Valley and Southern Tier will get about 95-to-98% totality. 

Think about how long it takes to drive to these places across the state and how in a matter of minutes, the moon is somewhere else. That's because it's traveling at roughly 2,000 miles per hour. 

Speaking of traveling, if you are heading out for an event, be prepared for traffic. 

Here's your checklist of what to have today: 

• Patience — that's been a big thing officials have been reminding you have 
• Eclipse glasses
• Appropriate clothing 
• Snacks and water 
• Cell phone charger 
• Check your gas gauge so you don't run out while sitting in traffic

Spectrum News 1 spoke with Jackie Bray, commissioner of the state's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Bray says road construction on major roadways is suspended to help keep traffic flowing. 

You'll notice portable restrooms set up at Thruway rest stops. Those gas stations have been asked to top off as well. 

Bray says other states that were center stage for an eclipse event did see people stuck in traffic for upwards of eight hours. They are hoping to avoid that, but you are asked to be prepared. 

You probably noticed signs along roads with messages regarding the eclipse. Keep an eye on those for traffic updates, etc. before and after totality. A reminder some of our communities will see double their population on Monday.

Wear your eclipse glasses the entire time, except when you're in totality. Otherwise, doctors say you can easily damage your retina permanently.