The long-range forecast is looking good at the moment for next week’s total solar eclipse which will likely mean a whole lot of visitors to our area.
In Port Hope and Cobourg, plans have been underway for over 6 months and Port Hope’s Director of Protective Services Jason Williams told us they’ve tried to anticipate every contingency including parking.
Williams told us with the large influx of people it’s a good idea for locals to fill up on gas before Monday.
The solar eclipse will begin around 2 p.m. on Monday April 8th with totality slated for around 3:30 p.m.
Cobourg Fire Chief Ellard Beaven told us his team has been working to ensure resident and guest safety during the eclipse.
On a more positive note, local businesses may stand to benefit from this event with an anticipated influx of people to watch the show. However, this could also increase demands for food, gas, and water so be sure to stock up before Monday.
Northumberland County will sit inside the path of totality, which stretches from Port Hope to Brighton and as far north as County Road 27 and Highway 30.
Williams told us traffic congestion is one of his biggest concerns.
In Northumberland totality will occur for 55 seconds in Port Hope, 1 minute and 22 seconds in Cobourg, and around two minutes in Brighton with everything wrapping up around 4:30 pm.
For more information, be sure to check out Northumberland County’s website at: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse – Northumberland County.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
