Reykjanes increases emergency response for total eclipse

Emergency services will increase their preparedness on the Reykjanes peninsula ahead of the total solar eclipse, which begins between 4pm and 5pm on Wednesday, mbl.is reports. The measures are being introduced because large crowds are expected to gather to watch the eclipse.

The chief of police in Suðurnes said an operations command will be established, with increased staffing from the police, fire services and the area’s regional hospital. Three incident command centres will also operate in the region to coordinate emergency services and respond to possible incidents.

Residents urged to watch from home

Residents of Reykjanes are reminded that the total eclipse will be clearly visible from homes in built-up areas, meaning that a long journey is not necessary. Those who do travel are urged to leave early to avoid traffic that could obstruct emergency services.

Local authorities have established gathering points at selected locations where people can watch the eclipse together. Information about gathering points, events and parking is available on the municipalities’ websites and on the Reykjanes Marketing Office website, visitreykjanes.is.

Parking restrictions and one-way roads

Police said vehicles may not be parked on roads or road shoulders. Vehicles parked in a way that obstructs traffic or creates a hazard will be removed at the owner’s expense.

People are asked to follow signs, road closures and instructions from police and other emergency responders, and to use only designated parking spaces.

Special traffic restrictions and one-way systems will apply on selected routes:

Garðskagavegur and Stafnesvegur, Route 45, will be one-way from Nesvegur and Hafnarvegur north towards Sandgerði.

Vatnsleysustrandarvegur, Route 420, will be one-way from Vogar east towards Kúagerði.

Bláalónsvegur will be closed to traffic.

Skagabraut towards Garðskagaviti lighthouse will be one-way towards Garðskagi, with return traffic routed via Útgarðsvegur to the golf clubhouse in Sandgerði.

Höskuldarvallarvegur will be closed to traffic.

Travellers departing from Keflavík Airport are advised to arrive early. The emergency number is 112 and the non-emergency police number is 5990112. People are also reminded to use solar eclipse glasses.