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Upcoming solar eclipse could cause flight delays, high air traffic conditions along path of totality

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning to airmen this week to anticipate delays, holding patterns and other impacts during the April 8 cosmic event.

YORK, Pa. — On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be seen across 13 U.S. states, including Pennsylvania -- where the city of Erie lies along the path of totality.

The cosmic event is expected to draw thousands of stargazers to destinations along the path, all looking to view the "Great North American Eclipse" as it occurs between approximately 2:30 and 3:40 p.m. EST.

It could impact air traffic at airports along the path of totality, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which issued a warning to airmen on its website this week.

According to the FAA, there could be "possible impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse path" due to the anticipated number of travelers eager to find viewing spots along the path of totality.

There could be rerouted flights, potential airborne holding patterns, and a "higher traffic volume than normal anticipated at airports along the eclipse," according to the FAA. 

"Traffic should anticipate delays during peak traffic periods," the FAA said. "Parking may be limited -- particularly at smaller, uncontrolled airports."

There are hundreds of airports along the path of totality, the FAA reports. 

The FAA is also anticipating a higher number of travelers before and after the eclipse, as people travel to and return home from viewing points along the path of totality, which will stretch across a large swath of the U.S. The states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine lie along the path of totality, along with small portions of Tennessee and Michigan.

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