The New York State Police has issued a warning about how the upcoming solar eclipse may affect cell service within the path of totality as thousands of people flock to the state to view the astronomical phenomenon.
On April 8, the moon will be positioned so that the entire disc of the sun will be blocked in several U.S. states, plunging millions of people into darkness during the early afternoon.
The path of totality will start in Mexico and extend across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before heading over the North Atlantic.
The spectacle is expected to draw crowds from around the nation as people head to areas in the path of totality to witness the eclipse. Officials across the nation have voiced concerns about stretched public safety resources, an "enormous strain" on local hospitals and congested roadways. At least four states have urged residents to stock up on groceries and gas and to fill medical prescriptions in the days leading up to the eclipse, as traffic is expected to overwhelm local roads.
The event is expected to put a strain on local cell towers, as the population is expected to triple in some areas. On Tuesday, the New York State Police published a list of concerns troopers had about the upcoming eclipse, including its impact to cell service.
"Cellular networks may be overloaded by high volume," the press release said.
If cellular networks are overloaded, calls may not go through or could be dropped.
Newsweek reached out to the New York State Police by email for comment.
There also could be an increase in 911 call volume, according to the press release, and traffic could become so gridlocked that drivers are waiting as long as 12 hours to get home. Students could become stranded on buses while in traffic, prompting police to urge schools to close or offer a half-day.
To address its concerns, the New York State Police will double its available personnel for the event.
"The New York State Police has developed an emergency operation plan in collaboration with other state, local, and federal law enforcement, emergency services and transportation agencies," the press release said.
"The purpose of the planning process for this event, is to address the potential impacts within the North Country and to minimize any negative effects associated with such a large influx of visitors to the local area," the agency added. "Strike Teams will be strategically deployed to monitor traffic and respond rapidly to any issues that may interfere with the safe flow of traffic or affect the quick clearance of any incidents."
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