Were To Have Kept Track Of Crowds In Times Square

The New York City Police Department intended to use its new drones to keep tabs on the crowds in Times Square during the annual New Year's Eve celebration.

But Monday, the department cancelled the mission, citing poor weather.

Fox News reports that NYPD Chief Terence Monahan made the announcement on Twitter. "“The safety of all those celebrating #NewYearsEve in #TimesSqaure is paramount. Due to the rain and wind tonight, our NYPD drones will NOT be in the air" he said on the social media platform.

There were plenty of police on the ground during the iconic celebration, which has become an annual made-for-TV event. Thousands of police officers were reportedly on hand to provide security, and the department also made use of 1,225 security cameras, 235 "blocker vehicles", and bomb-sniffing dogs to keep revelers safe through the night.

The weather also was expected to keep the crowds below the 1-2 million people that were anticipated by event organizers and city officials.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report