Revelers from far and wide gathered in Times Square Tuesday to celebrate the iconic New Year's Eve ball drop marking the end of 2024. (AP video by Ted Shaffrey)

The New Year’s Eve ball dropped in a soggy Times Square, where thousands of revelers stuck it out in heavy rain to celebrate the start of 2025 in New York City.

Rain was forecast to fall in the New York City metro area from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., with moderate to occasionally heavy rain falling for a two to four hour period in that window, the National Weather Service’s New York office said. Thunder was predicted for the same area from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., the office said.

Time balls date back to the early 19th century, when they signaled the time to passing sailors. Now they’re part of the pomp and circumstance of the new year

The New York City Police Department says it will deploy a "tremendous" amount of security around Times Square for New Year's Eve.

A number of usually affordable Manhattan restaurants are promising revelers a more comfortable New Year's Eve experience -- for a price.

EST, the Ever crystal ball perched atop Times Square descends as millions count down the final seconds to 2024