The solar eclipse's path of totality travels through Erie. All you need to know to watch it Monday.

Turn your eyes to the sky — safely, of course — and take in the total solar eclipse in Erie. April 8 promises to find Erie with some of the best seats in North America to view the first total solar eclipse visible from the continent since 2017.

Check out the links below to find everything you need to know about the eclipse in Erie:

Erie County's biggest one-day tourism event ever?

• Big events — the kind that fill hotel rooms and provide a shot of adrenaline to the local economy — come in all shapes and sizes. An event that could be far more fleeting — at 3 minutes and 42 seconds — is expected to draw some of the biggest crowds to Erie in history.

• How will Erie prepare for the influx of people all angling for a view of this astronomical event? Here's what Presque Isle State Park officials had to say: Early April is usually a slow time at the park, but the solar eclipse that day is expected to bring up to 30,000 people to Presque Isle, depending on the weather, said Matt Greene, the park's operations manager.

• No one can accuse the community of failing to plan. For more than a year, leaders from tourism, law enforcement, the business community, education and local government have been working to ensure that Erie seizes this cosmic moment.

Where can you watch it?

• People are encouraged to find places other than the bayfront to view the eclipse because the downtown traffic could be gridlocked on April 8.

• Viewing events are planned leading up to and during the eclipse. We compiled a list of local places that are hosting gatherings to view the eclipse, including gatherings at restaurants and bars. If you're looking for something to do around Erie while awaiting the eclipse, check out this list.

• The solar eclipse totality map changed in the week leading up to the eclipse. But did it affect Erie and your chosen viewing spot?

• There are many places to view the eclipse throughout Pennsylvania.

When will it happen?

Find out when the phases of the solar eclipse will be near your area by clicking here or by putting in your ZIP code here to find the best time to see the eclipse.

Where can I stay for the April eclipse?

• Hotels have been filling up since last year, and available rooms are now rare and pricey. With between 65,000 and 260,000 out-of-town visitors expected, according to VisitErie, it's no wonder lodging is hard to come by.

• The costs of lodging have risen as rooms have become scarce.

What about school or businesses on April 8?

• Most students from the Erie region will be able to watch the total solar eclipse from home on April 8. Nearly all of the county's school districts and some government buildings and businesses will be closed, at least for a time. Also, Erie County Court will not meet April 8, City Hall will be closed to the public and the courthouse will be closed.

• Local universities, including Gannon, Penn State Behrend, Mercyhurst and PennWest Edinboro, will each host a slew of programs in the lead-up to and during the April 8 eclipse.

Will weather cooperate for the eclipse?

• Forecasters were 'slightly optimistic' about Erie weather on solar eclipse day, based on projections — partly sunny, mid-50s — a week away from the big day. On Thursday, forecasts agreed on high temperature for Monday but varied on sun and clouds for day of the eclipse.

• Looking at historical data can give a glimpse of what conditions have typically been like here on April 8.

• Looking at just historical data, overcast was the most frequently observed cloud cover on April 8, between about 1 and 5 p.m. at Erie International Airport, going back to 1948.

How bad will traffic be April 8?

• PennDOT and Erie County officials expect heavy traffic, and likely a slow return trip home after the eclipse viewing ends April 8. You should expect an extra police presence to handle accidents and other issues before, during and after the event.

• While the roads are sure to be filled with eager travelers, some are looking to the sky to reach Erie. Several pilots have expressed interest in landing in Erie on April 8. Erie International Airport is ready to accommodate the traffic, mostly small private jets, Executive Director Derek Martin said.

• State transportation, emergency and parks officials are coordinating plans for the day to keep the public safe and keep traffic moving. Visit 511pa.com for the latest traffic alerts.

• Erie's two largest hospitals — UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital — are preparing for traffic issues and other scenarios for the April 8 eclipse.

What about cell phone usage?

• Major cellular carriers expect that eclipse watchers in the region should not have to worry about fractured cell phone coverage.

• If you have an emergency situation during the eclipse, check this list of emergency services numbers we've compiled.

How will animals react?

Wildlife experts and zoologists expect to witness unusual behaviors of birds and some animals before, during and immediately after the eclipse.

Protect your eyes ...

Wear special eclipse glasses to protect your eyes. Where can you get eclipse glasses? Get free ones here. But be wary of counterfeit glasses. Also, if you're looking for eclipse merch, there are several choices.

... and your camera lenses

Be careful when taking photographs of a solar eclipse with your smartphone. Check out these tips and tricks.

Want more eclipse coverage?

Return to GoErie.com for continuing coverage leading up to and during this event.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Solar eclipse 2024: Erie PA is prime viewing