OEM SPECIAL STATEMENT PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE MONDAY APRIL 8, 2024 FROM 2:11PM UNTIL 4:38PM EVENT OUTLOOK: Suffolk County will experience a Partial Solar Eclipse beginning around 2:11 pm on Monday April 8, 2024. The duration of the eclipse will be approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes with the maximum totality of 90% occurring at approximately 3:26 pm in Western Suffolk and 3:28 pm in Eastern Suffolk. The National Weather Service forecasts a sunny day for Suffolk County with high temperatures near 58° and light winds. Sky Cover (amount of opaque clouds covering the sky) is forecast to be approximately 20%. It should be a good day to experience this event. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Watching a solar eclipse is a memorable experience, but you must do it safely to prevent serious eye injury or even blindness. You must wear special eye protection (sunglasses are NOT enough) to directly observe the sun, during a partial eclipse or any other time. Eclipse glasses should be marked with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification number 12312-2 on the frame. • Always inspect your eclipse glasses before use; if scratched, punctured, torn, or otherwise damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the glasses. • Always supervise children using eclipse glasses. • Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device. Use extra caution driving during the eclipse. Do not park along roadways to observe the eclipse. Rather, find a safe parking lot, park your vehicle, and enjoy this rare event. If you are driving during the eclipse, maintain your attention on the road and traffic, and be alert to other drivers who may slow or stop suddenly. For more information on safely watching the eclipse visit the National Eye Institute (NIH) website https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/how-watch-eclipse-safely |