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Hogmanay weather warning issued Hogmanay weather warning issued
(about 2 hours later)
High winds and rain are likely to sweep across central Scotland on Hogmanay, weather forecasters have warned.High winds and rain are likely to sweep across central Scotland on Hogmanay, weather forecasters have warned.
Organisers of the country's largest street party, which will take place in Edinburgh on Sunday night, said they were keeping an eye on the predictions.Organisers of the country's largest street party, which will take place in Edinburgh on Sunday night, said they were keeping an eye on the predictions.
Three years ago the event was cancelled at the last minute due to bad weather.Three years ago the event was cancelled at the last minute due to bad weather.
A spokesman said steps had been taken to deal with bad weather and that there would need to be "severe" gales before this year's event would be halted.A spokesman said steps had been taken to deal with bad weather and that there would need to be "severe" gales before this year's event would be halted.
Organisers in Glasgow, where 25,000 people are expected to attend celebrations in George Square, also expect their event to go ahead.Organisers in Glasgow, where 25,000 people are expected to attend celebrations in George Square, also expect their event to go ahead.
A spokesman for the city council said it was aware that bad weather was being forecast.A spokesman for the city council said it was aware that bad weather was being forecast.
'Not fantastic''Not fantastic'
But he said: "There are no anticipated problems at this stage. We are fortunate in George Square to be right in the city centre - the fact that it's a square provides a natural barrier." But he said: "There are no anticipated problems at this stage.
"We are fortunate in George Square to be right in the city centre - the fact that it's a square provides a natural barrier.
"Our main priority is the safety of those attending and we will continue to monitor the situation closely."
Forecasters have predicted that there could be gusts of up to 70mph as "very, very strong" wind and rain sweep across the central belt on 31 December.Forecasters have predicted that there could be gusts of up to 70mph as "very, very strong" wind and rain sweep across the central belt on 31 December.
A spokesman for Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2007 said: "We are aware that the forecast is not fantastic.A spokesman for Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2007 said: "We are aware that the forecast is not fantastic.
We get the long-range forecast and are keeping an eye on the weather Edinburgh Hogmanay spokesmanWe get the long-range forecast and are keeping an eye on the weather Edinburgh Hogmanay spokesman
"However, the last few years has seen increased equipment put in place to cope with bad weather."However, the last few years has seen increased equipment put in place to cope with bad weather.
"There would have to be severe gales on the night for the event to be cancelled.""There would have to be severe gales on the night for the event to be cancelled."
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is being headlined by Pet Shop Boys and Paolo Nutini.More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is being headlined by Pet Shop Boys and Paolo Nutini.
A huge firework display and series of outdoor events are also planned in the Scottish capital.A huge firework display and series of outdoor events are also planned in the Scottish capital.
The event was cancelled at the last minute in 2003 because of fears that strong winds between 2200 GMT and midnight could affect stages and other public areas.The event was cancelled at the last minute in 2003 because of fears that strong winds between 2200 GMT and midnight could affect stages and other public areas.
The spokesman added: "We get the long-range forecast and are keeping an eye on the weather.The spokesman added: "We get the long-range forecast and are keeping an eye on the weather.
"Our first priority is the safety of the public and the final decision is made on Sunday.""Our first priority is the safety of the public and the final decision is made on Sunday."