Law enforcement in Windsor-Essex is expected to be busy on Monday, with a rare celestial phenomenon taking place.
A total solar eclipse will be visible in Ontario for the first time since 1979, and large crowds are expected in the area to view the event Monday afternoon. Crowds are expected to be massive along the Lake Erie shoreline, which falls in the path of totality.
"This phenomenon will cause the sky to darken, resembling either dusk or dawn," said OPP Constable Andrew Gamble. "Throughout history, solar eclipses have spurred significant migrations of people to optimal viewing locations."
Significant traffic is expected Monday in the southern part of the region before, during, and after the eclipse.
"Sharing the road safely is particularly crucial when attending large gatherings that generate higher than normal traffic volumes," said Gamble. "Drivers should be prepared for potential delays in getting to and from their destination and are reminded to exercise caution and patience."
The OPP has urged people not to stop on the side of a roadway to view the eclipse, but to pull off the road and into a safe place like a parking lot. Officers will be out on Monday to ensure traffic is moving smoothly and everyone is safe.
The City of Windsor, meanwhile, will see at least most of the sun blocked out by the moon, but likely not a total eclipse. Nevertheless, Windsor police have provided their own set of tips for viewing the eclipse safely.
Those tips include resisting the temptation to view the eclipse directly. Sunglasses, smoked glasses, photograph negatives, and some forms of welder's glasses will not protect the eyes from serious retinal damage or the risk of blindness.