Crowds and Police Gather in Times Square New Year's Eve Morning

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Crowds gather in Anticipation of Times Square Ball Drop | Photo 02

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With weather in the 50's and no sign of the predicted rain, crowds have already begun to gather to ring in the New Year's in Times Square.  By 8:30 am, a small throng had gathered near the Jumbotron between 45th and 46th. Many revelers have been seen already decked out in 2012 hats and gear and prepared to brave the long wait with chairs and blankets. Others milled around Times Square taking photos and gawking at the huge cameras and staging already in place for the evenings festivities. 

At 1 Times Square. home of the famous ball, a large group of police gathered outside to listen to instructions.  Parked next to the sea of blue,  the police mobile command unit, eye in the sky cranes, NYPD tow trucks and several police cars hinted at a strong police presence expected throughout the day.

Police are expected to begin limiting access to that area around 3 pm, when the crowds will finally be allowed in to the holding pen areas beginning in the zones closest to the main stage. Most Times Square stores will close around the same time, before Times Square is officially 'frozen' for the New Year's celebration between 3-4 pm.

Headed out to Times Square this year?  Check out tips and the latest weather here