With the total solar eclipse approaching in just under a week, the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department announced its operational safety plan for the weekend leading up to and the day of the eclipse.

The plan will go into effect starting this Saturday ahead of the eclipse on Monday. 

The sheriff’s office said in a press release that they are excepting heavy traffic flows with upward of 1 million people passing through the area.

"When you're thinking about your own traffic schedules related to the eclipse on Monday, give yourself more time to get places and understand during the actual eclipse probably not the greatest time to travel unless you absolutely have to," said Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley. 

The sheriff's office said its goal of this operational safety plan is to support a safe and secure environment for the influx of people, support local viewing events, mitigate roadway congestion, and provide continued law enforcement services.

Onondaga County is expected to be a prime area for eclipse viewers. The region is expecting both sanctioned and unsanctioned viewing events. Sanctioned events have been recognized by the county and local municipalities. While unsanctioned events are private events planned and unplanned mass gatherings viewing sites. 

Shelley’s office advised to ensure your vehicle has gas. With the amount of traffic expected, heavy gridlock may cause issues relating to fuel, heat, water, food, bathroom challenges, and even possibly leaving some motorists stranded.