Niagara Falls is shutting down many of its busy streets on Monday for the long-awaited solar eclipse to accommodate over one million visitors.
Last week, Niagara Region officials declared a state of emergency for the region. Now, local police officers are advising residents and visitors to plan ahead because of several road closures starting at 11 a.m. onApr. 8. The roads are set to reopen the next day.
Niagara Parks says it will be closing Queen St. to Fraser Hill, Clifton Hill from Victoria Ave. to Falls Ave, along with Murray St. from the Niagara Parkway to Fallsview Boulevard beginning at 12 p.m. until midnight.
These road closures are to assist the movement of emergency vehicles, police said.
READ MORE: Solar eclipses linked to a rise in deadly traffic collisions: study
Visitors can experience the total solar eclipse at Niagara Falls on Monday. The once-in-a-lifetime celestial event is expected to begin around 3:18 p.m.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, resulting in momentary darkness.
Niagara Falls and Hamilton will experience 100 per cent totality, while Toronto and most of the GTA will see closer to 99 per cent.
Monday will mark the first total solar eclipse in North America since 2017, and the first total solar eclipse to hit the province since 1979.
Local officials are reminding visitors to wear only ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses to protect the eyes and to prepare for big crowds and long lines.
In addition to Niagara, Destination Ontario has compiled a full list of areas in the province to watch the eclipse.
