Niagara declares a state of EMERGENCY ahead of solar eclipse that will create monster traffic jams and strain emergency services as thousands flock to region to catch a glimpse

Canada’s Niagara region has declared a state of emergency as it prepares for an influx of a million tourists ahead of next week’s solar eclipse.

The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be the region’s first in 45 years, and the city of Niagara Falls is directly in the path of totality, where the moon will mask the sun’s face for a few minutes.

A map from the National Solar Observatory shows that the city, which sits on the U.S.-Canada border, will have 100 percent coverage for about 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

In anticipation of the influx of visitors, the greater Niagara region has preemptively declared a state of emergency.

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati estimates that about a million tourists will attend the spectacle – 14 times more visitors in one day than the city normally sees in a year.

The city of Niagara Falls, on the US-Canada border, expects to see about a million visitors on April 8 – 14 times more than the city normally sees in a year

The total solar eclipse will be the region’s first in 45 years

The state of emergency “strengthens the tools the region has at its disposal to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors and protect our critical infrastructure in any scenario that might arise,” the official announcement said.

It sets in motion a number of planning tools to prepare for traffic disruptions, increased demand for emergency services and overload on the mobile telephone network.

T-Mobile is deploying additional mobile locations to prevent service disruptions due to the wave of visitors.

“On April 8, the spotlight will be on Niagara as thousands of visitors join us to take part in this unique event, and we will be ready to shine,” said Niagara Regional Chairman Jim Brady.

He expressed gratitude to local agencies “who have worked hard together to ensure our community can provide a safe and memorable experience for both our visitors and all who call Niagara home.”

The news release urges people to prepare for crowds and snaking lines, and to consider stocking up on groceries and fuel before the eclipse.

Most schools in the region are closed on April 8. “Have a childcare plan in place and make sure children know how to view the eclipse safely,” the announcement reads.

This means that you only wear ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses.

As the sky darkens during a solar eclipse, observers along the path of totality will see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which appears as a bright ring of light and can cause eye damage.

The state of emergency is expected to contribute to combating traffic disruption, the increased demand for emergency services and the overload of the mobile telephone network.

States south of the border, especially Texas, are also expected to see an influx of tourists

Spectators are urged to wear only ISO 12312-2-certified eclipse glasses, as the sun’s corona – or outer atmosphere – can cause vision damage

Some Canadians took to social media to dismiss the emergency as an ‘overreaction’

While some Canadians admitted the government was taking the right steps to stem the flow of tourists, others took to social media to air their grievances, calling the state of emergency an “overreaction.”

“So we’re just going to suspend the Charter because of a solar eclipse?!?!?” asked a man on X, formerly Twitter.

‘Oh my God. Talk about an overreaction. How on earth did they get elected? This is your tax money at work,” another complained.

States south of the border are already seeing the effects of a swarm of visitors.

An estimated 270,000 to a million people are expected to travel to Texas for its prime viewing location along the path of the whole.

The city of Dallas has seen a 571 percent increase in hotel bookings for the days leading up to the solar eclipse.

Lodging prices in Waco have increased by 81 percent, while prices in Cleveland and Austin have also increased by 33 and 34 percent, respectively.