Monroe County expects more than 150,000 people to visit the area for the April 8 solar eclipse, and officials want everyone to be able to enjoy the experience safely.

Law enforcement has been working for the past year on a plan to maintain emergency response and keep people safe during the event.

"Yes, we're gonna expect traffic delays and minor inconveniences that come with any major event," said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. "With some prep and planning, we can all enjoy this cosmic occurrence."

Along with normal emergency services, officials say the bomb squad, SWAT and scuba teams will be placed throughout the area. Authorities are asking anyone who's going to be leaving home for the event to get where they're going early and expect to stay for a couple of hours afterward to help ease traffic issues.

The county has also announced a public awareness campaign so people will be prepared for school and business closures, increased traffic and the need to use special glasses to safely view the eclipse. The campaign includes digital and radio ads in English and Spanish, as well as posters distributed to schools, municipal buildings, libraries, city R‐Centers, senior centers and community organizations.

The county has set up a special 2024 eclipse website that contains all the important information about the event.

The eclipse will take place from 2:07 ‐ 4:33 p.m. The totality will last from 3:20 - 3:24 p.m., for 3 minutes and 38 seconds. The next total solar eclipse for Rochester won’t happen for another 120 years, on Oct. 26, 2144.