Why did authorities issue warnings before the solar eclipse?

While the April solar eclipse does not arrive, US authorities have issued safety warnings for the phenomenon; understand why

A total solar eclipse will take place on April 8, and while the big day doesn’t arrive, several safety alerts have been issued by authorities in the United States. The phenomenon is not dangerous for us; So why were there so many warnings about the eclipse?

Although the event is still a few weeks away, there was no shortage of guidance for residents of the regions where the eclipse will be visible in its entirety. The Lorain County Emergency Management Administration (EMA), for example, advised people to stockpile food, water and fuel. Already in parts of Texas, schools must be closed.

That’s why there were so many warnings: local authorities estimate that there should be a large increase in the number of tourists, traveling to see the Sun disappearing behind the Moon during the phenomenon. The flow of people will be greater than usual, putting pressure on local transport and emergency services, which will not be able to handle the increase.

“What we may have is crowds that we’re not used to,” said Lorain County EMA Director Dave Freeman. “We don’t have the infrastructure prepared for this, we don’t have the roads [para o deslocamento de tantas pessoas]”, he added.

The preparation is not without reason. The 2017 solar eclipse was also visible in the USA, and at the time, the government even prepared for the largest flow of visitors, but the congestion still caused problems. “The millions of people drawn to sites along the eclipse’s path overwhelmed limited transportation facilities,” recalled transportation engineering consultant Jonathan Upchurch.

April solar eclipse

Solar eclipses happen when the Moon completely or partially covers the Sun. The one on April 8 will be visible in its entirety in a band that passes through parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada. Outside the range, observers from these countries will experience a partial solar eclipse.

The phenomenon won’t be visible from Brazil, but that doesn’t mean you need to stay out. One way to follow the eclipse is online, through NASA live or other broadcasts.

Source: Transportation Research News, USA Today

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