The clouds could disrupt the party in Niagara Falls, where a million tourists are expected by the City to observe the eclipse.
Monday, at dawn, the early risers pitched tents and unfolded their chairs to comfortably enjoy the show. It must be said that Niagara Falls, where the total eclipse will last more than 3 minutes, has been designated by National Geographic as one of the best places to observe the astronomical phenomenon.
But numerous clouds, which may not dissipate in time before the start of the total eclipse, expected shortly after 3 p.m., threaten to spoil the party. A bad weather forecast that could disappoint the many tourists who have made the trip… and paid hundreds of dollars for accommodation.
The price of a night at the hotel, which amounts to around a hundred dollars, rose to more than 1,000 dollars for the night of April 7 to 8. Fares peak on the American side of the falls, where they can exceed $4,000.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, who expects to welcome “up to a million” tourists, declared a state of emergency in March. It would be the biggest event in the history of the city, even though it is accustomed to their presence in large numbers.
The municipality has therefore recommended bringing “snacks, water, a phone charger, entertainment, medicine and first aid products”, and even anticipates that the local cellular network will be compromised by reason for the traffic.
This report is supported by the Local Journalism Initiative, funded by the Government of Canada.