New Hampshire prepares for influx of tourists to view total solar eclipse
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
By Haley Clough
People across the world are gearing up to witness the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. The last time there was a total solar eclipse in America was August of 2017. This year’s eclipse has been referred to as the “Great North American Eclipse,” and will be viewable across 13 U.S. states.
The “path of totality,” where viewers can see the entire eclipse, will cross several southern and northeastern states, with the total solar eclipse estimated to occur around 3:20 p.m.
Particularly in New England, tourists are already planning to flock to the northernmost states, such as Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire. In New Hampshire, state officials are preparing for thousands of out-of-staters to visit, and have made a strong advisory for those traveling into the state to remain on the highways.
Officials are urging those heading to northern New Hampshire, particularly Coos County, to avoid using secondary highways or local roads. Not only will travel be difficult with incoming traffic, but the state’s officials and law enforcement are warning of possibly dangerous road conditions if the weather is bad.
While state officials in all states under the path of the eclipse are concerned about the travel conditions prior to and after the eclipse, New Hampshire in particular is preparing for an intense few days. According to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, an estimated 8,000 to 15,000 vehicles will come through the state for the eclipse.
New Hampshire businesses are also expecting to see an increase in purchases, and many are preparing to profit off of the tourism the total eclipse will bring. According to WMUR, a gift shop in Pittsburg, N.H. called “Up North” will be selling all kinds of eclipse-themed items, and distributing them all across the country as well.
If you plan to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, don’t forget your solar eclipse glasses for the historic event.