Orleans County doesn’t see big influx of traffic today for eclipse
Susyn Tillman of Point Breeze sent in this photo taken from her backyard of the total eclipse with the moon covering the sun today.
Orleans County emergency management and law enforcement prepared for the worst today, but it ended up being quieter on the roadways than a usual Monday.
The county was braced for an influx of thousands of additional vehicles on roadways, with visitors trying to get a look at a rare solar eclipse.
But the big crowds never arrived, and emergency incidents were minimal. The forecast showing significant cloud coverage likely deterred some day-trippers from making the journey to Western New York to see the total eclipse.
“There were no real noticeable increases in traffic,” said Justin Neiderhofer, the county’s emergency management director.
The state Thruway and 81 and 87 corridor did see some backups outside of Orleans County, he said.
“All and all it was kind of a slow day on our end,” Niederhofer said.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the other local police agencies all had extra patrol cars and staff working.
Sheriff Chris Bourke said traffic actually seemed less than a typical Monday in Orleans County.
“There are no significant eclipse-related problems that I am aware of,” Bourke said.
This photo from Tracey Lewis shows Lake Alice during the eclipse today when darkness fell at about 3:20 p.m.
Tracey Lewis had eclipse glasses for her dachshund, Lucy.
Marguerite Sherman of Medina sent in these photos along Lake Ontario during the eclipse. This is on Scharping Lane in the Town of Lyndonville.
The sky got very dark on Scharping Lane during the total eclipse.
