BEWARE: FAA Issues Warning Ahead Of April 8 Total Solar Eclipse, To Hit Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, 12 Others

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a warning about possible travel disruptions related to the April 8 total solar eclipse, revealing 15 States that will be affected.

The warning covers airports along the path of totality – the area that will experience the greatest periods of darkness during the “Great North American Eclipse.” The path of totality will go from the southwest to northeast, hitting parts of 15 states – Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as small parts of Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. It will be visible to varying degrees across the contiguous U.S. from 1:30 p.m. CDT to 2:40 p.m. CDT.

Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

The FAA warning said to expect “possible impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse path,” including delays and increased air traffic. Cities along the path include Dallas, San Antonio, Little Rock, Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio, Eerie, Pennsylvania, Buffalo, New York and Burlington Vermont.

“Aircraft should be prepared for potential airborne holding, reroutes, and/or Expect Departure Clearance Times that may be issued for all domestic…arrivals and departures,” the notice said, adding airports along the path of totality should “coordinate departure times as early as possible” and delays are to be expected.

Peak traffic is likely and parking at smaller airports could also be an issue, the warning continued. Special security, including temporary flight restrictions and two-way radio communications, could also be put in place. During the eclipse, practice flights and pilot training will likely be prohibited, according to the notice.

The FAA warning is just the latest as areas along the path of totality brace for massive crowds during the eclipse, the last total solar eclipse in the lower 48 United States until 2045. Earlier, Oklahoma announced it was activating its National Guard to assist local governments during the eclipse and, in Texas, officials advised local residents to stock up on food and gas in anticipation of crowds.

– CREDIT: By Leada Gore | lgore@al.com, AL (except input in the headline and introduction)