Why did the authorities issue warnings before the solar eclipse?

One Total solar eclipse It will be held on April 8, and although the big day has not arrived, authorities in the United States have issued several security alerts. The phenomenon is not dangerous to us; So why were there so many warnings about the eclipse?

Although the event is still a few weeks away, there has been no shortage of guidance for residents of the areas where the eclipse will be fully visible. For example, Lorain County Emergency Management (EMA) advised people to stock up on food, water and fuel. In parts of Texas, Schools must be closed.

That's why there have been so many warnings: local authorities estimate that there should be a significant increase in the number of tourists traveling to see the sun disappear behind the moon during this phenomenon. The influx of people will be greater than usual, putting pressure on local transport and emergency services, which will not be able to cope with the increase.

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

Preparation is not without reason. The 2017 solar eclipse was also visible in the USA. At that time, the government prepared for the largest influx of visitors, but crowding still caused problems. “Millions of people drawn to sites along the eclipse's path overwhelmed the limited transportation facilities,” recalls transportation engineering consultant Jonathan Upchurch.

Solar eclipse in April

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely or partially covers the sun. The event on April 8 will be fully visible in a band running through parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada. Outside the range, observers from these countries will see a partial solar eclipse.

This phenomenon won't be visible from Brazil, but that doesn't mean you need to stay out. a way to Follow the eclipse onlineThis is through live broadcast NASA Or other missions.

source: Transportation Research News, USA Today

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