Authorities in the Niagara region have declared a precautionary state of emergency ahead of the rare solar eclipse on April 8, when a huge crowd is expected to gather at the falls to watch it.

Regional President Jim Bradley made this decision purely for precautionary reasonsemphasized in the statement issued by his office.

“The declaration of a state of emergency (…) strengthens the tools available to the region to ensure the health and safety of residents and visitors and to protect critical infrastructure, no matter what happens“, he added.

The spectacular falls, on the Canada-US border, are in the path of the eclipse, and many people have already booked hotels and vacation rentals to experience one of North America’s natural wonders.

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati predicted that “it will be by far the largest crowd we have ever seen» on the Canadian side of the border. He even estimated that 1 million visitors are expected next weekend, while Niagara Falls usually receives 14 million visitors in a year.

The authorities will also modify some services and close some facilities to limit car traffic on the roads on April 8.