>> amber alert came across my phone. then she walked in the door. >> missing for three days, now something to be thankful for today. >> freezing cold night ahead followed by wet weather. i'll have the forecast coming up. >> plus the doors are about to open, the great shopping deals ahead of black friday. >> and giving thanks to the military and all those working on thanksgiving. >> am berg alert comes across from the highway patrol. i was doing my paperwork and she walked in the door right after that. >> an attentive gas station clerk and america si alert led to the discovery of a missing family. >> the great grandmother and two children had been missing since

monday but it came to a happy ending. wayne freedman is live. >> reporter: what a story. what an interesting story and fascinating because of technology. you know, a lot of people complain about technology these days. they don't like cameras on freeways that can track cars based on license plates. well, today that technology paid off and a family is thankful because of it. >> if you're going to get a happy ending to a crisis, what better day than thanksgiving. >> that was going through my mind, we've got to find mama. >> the family and friends of sandra young had no idea where she or her two great grandchildren had gone. today they turned up in this gas station. >> i said i'm not positive but i think it's her. >> barbie lieden worked behind the cash register. this morning she saw this, a localized endangered and missing

alert. the system relies on freeway cameras that read license plates. >> it monitored several license plates and activated the wireless emergency alert system on behalf of fairfield police department this morning. and they just sent that out within a 2.5 radius. >> this shell station fell inside that alert area. barbie had seen the notice. >> she just seemed like they were traveling just using the restroom. they didn't see -- the kids didn't seem bothered or nothing. >> reporter: barbie called the police. they arrived almost instantly. >> i'm just glad they found her and the kids and that they're sfe and they're good. >> indeed sandra is safe with her grandchildren tonight. they are alone. they are asking for privacy. the big question here is what happened? where was she? it turns out according to her

sister they were on the road for three days. why? we're not quite sure. wayn 7 news. now, officials are urging everyone to make sure that alerts are activated on their cell phones. if you have an iphone, you can find it in settings and then notifications and on android you can go to setting, apps, and then notifications, and open the advanced section. >> with all the storm action across california, a collapsed drain opened up a sinkhole this afternoon on the side of the highway. a small mud slide trapped a car below. no one was juried. cal tran closed two lanes to repair the road but the freeway could be shut down if it continues to erode. >> drying off today but it is getting a lot colder as we take a live look outside. >> so pretty but oh so cold.

let's get to meteorologist for the look at the weather. >> it's time for the flannel pjs only the. it's quiet except around mount hamilton. we've been watching snow showers developing. isolated in nature. we have a freeze warning. north bay, mid to upper 20s. some areas will be colder. bring in your frost sensitive plants, pets, and protect those pipes. north bay coast, temperatures dipping down low to mid 30s. there is a possibility of frost damage. i'll let you know exactly how cold it's going get in your neighborhood and when you'll need to bring out your rain gear again coming up. >> you might want to think twice if you want a warm fire tonight. the bay area air quality management is asking people not to burn wood in their fair places or wood stoves. they're worried about the impact on air quality. officials say a spare the air alert is not in effect and wood

burning isn't illegal, but they're discouraging it. >> meantime, it was bone chilling cold in san francisco today where the temperature stayed mostly in the 40s. even so it didn't stop people from doing some sightseeing at fisherman's wharf or enjoying a bay cruise. >> it's not too cold for you? >> we're from the midwest. >> we're used to it. >> yeah. >> we're from canada, so this is cool, but it's not cold. it's not what we're used to. >> we just thought it would warm up because it is so cold. so, we've got to take away soup before we head home to australia later today. >> all right. well, the snow action is still on and off in the sierra. here's a live look at interstate 80 at castle peak. the road is clear but you can see snow in the median. chain controls have been dropped for now but that could change any time. in southern california, interstate 5 through the grapevine is back open.

the chp has been escorting people through. both directions were shut down because of the snow. anyone who plans to go that way, keep a blanket, snacks, and water in the car just in case. you can keep up with the weather with the abc 7 news app and you can see live doppler 7 any time through the app as well. wow, talk about getting pumped up. it's just the start of a busy holiday weekend. the holiday shopping rush got off to an early start at least at a handful of stores opened this thanksgiving. in fact national retailers expect this to be another record season, perhaps topping the $1 trillion mark for the first time ever. laura anthony is live amid all the shoppers in san leandro. you got to do shopping yourself

too, right? >> reporter: i've done a little bit of looking. let's put it that way. black friday is no longer one day. it actually goes for several days, starting today all the way through cyber monday. let's show you what the store looked like a few minutes ago when the doors open at 5:00. there were folks lined up for probably 100 yards waiting for this store to open up. while cyber monday is an important day and web stores like amazon continue to take a growing piece of the pie, many shoppers prefer this, the brick and mortar experience. >> it's not all about the turkey for those who opted to spend at least part of their thanksgiving shopping. walmart in san leandro is one of a few store that is opened early and stayed that way. convenient for those looking to get a jump on the deep discount holiday gift buying. >> get to walmart at the last

minute. >> you're actually kind of early. it's only thanksgiving. >> we want to go ahead before anything happens. too many people are here. >> i don't think they're opened today. 5:00. that's what they said. >> stores like target stayed closed until late afternoon though some would be shoppers didn't realize that until they reached the front door. >> they're not opening today until 5:00 because it's thanksgiving. >> who opens at 5:00. everybody going to be eating around 5:00 and relaxing. >> reporter: at best buy, bobby sanchez staked out his place in line super early, at 2:00 a.m., a full 15 hours before the store's opening. >> i had a few people drive up and they just kept going. but i'm -- i'm doing my part and i'm staying out here so i can be first in line. if you're not first, you're last. >> reporter: and for those here at target, those first in line get a chance to buy these big

screen tvs. this is one of the door busters, if you will, that they have here at target. every store trying to get people in the door with specials. over here you can see they have a lot of items, 1, 3, $5. this store will stay open until 1:00 in the morning, close fair few hours, and open again. they'll have sales each day to get people coming in the doors. for those of you that think it's all about web shopping, brick and mortar still accounts for 87% of the holiday shopping that's done. laura anthony, nbc 7 news. thanks gigiving is a day wi had we take time to give thanks to those we appreciate. >> we want to recognize those working hard on this holiday. lauren martinez went out to share the love. >> we are thanking people who are working today for thanksgiving, so thank you. >> you're welcome. >> what's the best part about

working on a holiday? >> watching the kids have fun. make sure everyone is following the rules, make sure the kids and the parents are safe. >> what would you guys say is the best part about work ongg oa holiday? >> i think being able to see how many people come out and skate. >> yeah. what's the best part about working on a holiday? >> we get to see families and get to take picture of them. that's what we do. we photograph. so, it's fun to capture those memories. >> so, what are you doing today? >> so, today we always take pictures of the guests that always come here. >> what's the best part about it? >> best part? to be honest, getting time and a half. >> come on, get out here, right here, come on folks. don't worry, you don't have to say anything. >> these are the folks at station 13 today. we are -- firefighters are on duty 24/7. others are with their family. these folks are with their second family.

thank you so much. all right. >> get in there and cook! come on, you're wasting your time. cook! >> thankful to all of them, and i'm thankful that you're sitting here with me. >> if we have to work, it's good to work together. >> yes! we've got so much more to come this thanksgiving including a look at how some people are spending their day by giving back to others. >> how about this? celebrating thanksgiving in space and how you can have a small taste of what it's like. >> plus one wild ride. that's the macy's thanksgiving day parade. the high winds that helped the

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>> it's more than just about giving. >> reporter: volunteers who show up every year at glide memorial at thanksgiving say serving a hot plate of food to someone who needs it is pretty special. >> when they look at you and shake your hand and say thank you, there's nothing better than that feeling. >> volunteers say there's another benefit to being here year after year, one they never expected but treasure deeply, new friendships. >> that camaraderie, friendship, love and family that brings us back. >> reporter: daniel and sean have been volunteering together for 15 years. they only see each other once a year but look forward to it. >> it's so cool to see the same people giving at the same time early in the morning year after year, year after year. >> reporter: it takes a huge crew of 500 volunteers to cook and the serve the meals at glide. even mayor london breed pitched

in today. >> glide is a place that welcomes everyone. it's full of love, joy, and compassion. it feels good to be here. >> reporter: not all the volunteers will be serving meals hre today. for the first time, glide's going to pack up meals and take them out into the community. 200 of them, to people who can't make it here. >> it's amazing to take that extra step and be out in the field serving. >> reporter: knowing they're making a difference here and on the streets is why they'll be back next year ready to carve turkey and build a community of giving. in san francisco, amy hollyfield, abc 7 news. hundreds of senior citizens got a surprise today. the officers delivered 900 meals to people who were spending the holiday alone at home. in san mateo, house volunteers served more than 400 thanksgiving lunches today to families struggling with the high cost of living. the agency handed out more than

1,000 turkeys and food baskets to peninsula residents. >> astronauts are celebrating thanksgiving in space. this picture of four different thanksgiving aboard the international space station. if you want to eat like an astronaut, nasa tweeted out this recipe for out of this world cornbread dressing which is the same dressing they eat on the space station. >> that looks yummy. >> it's dry. >> just a little we're happy we're spending friendsgiving with you. let's see if the weather is lovely. >> if you like the cold, i would call it friendly, but if you don't it's going to be a tough night ahead. we have a few clouds, mount hamilton seeing an isolated snow shower. as we check out the wider picture, traveling is tough with rain and high elevation snow. also in sierra, nevada, it is still snowing. chain controls on 88 and 4 this

hour. there's a winter weather advisory until noon tomorrow. watch out for reduced visibility and tough travel conditions. it becomes a winter storm watch saturday morning to sunday morning, heavy blowing snow is possible. here's a live look from the golden gate bridge camera. we're seeing just a few clouds out there. spotty showers tomorrow and the next storm arrives on saturday. if you're going out black friday shopping, here's the forecast, crisp and cool tonight, temperatures in the 40s. a few clouds at 9:00 p.m. by 11:00 p.m. it's getting chilly. by 1:00 a.m. we're talking near freezing temperature. numbers in the 40s for most of you as you take a look at the temperatures first thing in the morning, mid 20s around lakeport and santa rosa to the low 40s in san francisco. yes, you will need to bundle up. there will be frost around. it's going to be similar to today. sun, clouds, and isolated shower

or two not out of the question tomorrow afternoon. 1:00 to about 5:00 p.m. it's not a widespread event but just an occasion shower here and there. tomorrow afternoon, another chilly day like today, 40s, 50s for your highs. as you check out what's coming saturday, this storm system will start to spread rain across the bay area for saturday afternoon evening, more montanan snow, and rain continuing on sunday as well. so, be prepared. traveling is going to be tough whether you're going up or coming down. here's a look at the accuweather 7-day forecast, cold morning ahead. level one for sunday. rain switching to showers. monday we still have more rain coming. tuesday, scattered showers. showers wind down on wednesday. all ones there. and another storm on thursday. so, i have to mention it's an atmospheric river aimed at the monterey bay for the weekend and continuing into early next week.

when all is said and done from saturday through wednesday, we could see awe couple of inches of rain here in the bay area and the higher elevations could be looking at several inches. >> and then another one on thursday. >> definitely into the winter season. >> we asked for it though and here it comes. >> ono complaints. explosion is christmas tree sells and what's behind it.

crowds and giant balloons brave the winds at the 93rd annual macy's thanksgiving day parade in there were concerns that the winds would be too strong and the balloons would have to be grounded. the show did go on. the balloons just flew a little

lower than usual. one of the handlers of the nutcracker balloon was knocked over as fellow handlers tried to control the giant inflatable. he was okay. but the ronald mcdonald balloon had to be pulled out early after it was torn during the overnight inflation. for many families in the south bay heading out to cut down a fresh christmas tree is the priority before thanksgiving dinner. >> this could be the year that lily picks out the tree and mommy and daddy. >> reporter: this is the third time chris and victoria have come here to cut down their favorite tree. >> that one has a good shape to it. it's nice and full. it's not too big, not too small. >> reporter: dad got busy cutting down a douglas fir after searching five minutes. >> when people cut down a tree,

they're not killing it because the stump is left in place and new sprouts come up and create a whole new generation of christmas trees. >> reporter: they chose a smaller kid-size tree this year. >> i think having them be able to reach higher up and put ornaments on will be fun. >> it keeps trying to draw moisture from the roots. that draws air bubbles into the zylum of the tree and now it can't drink water. this prevents that. >> reporter: they'll load and tie it on to a car or suv to take home. customers come out to take photos, drink apple cider, and shop for wreaths and other holiday decor. well, real christmas trees are expected to be a big seller this holiday season.

last year there was a 20% sale spike in real trees compared to 12% rise in artificial sells. the demand is fuelled by millennials starting their own families and traditions and it's becoming more common for people to buy more than one tree for their homes. >> what's thanksgiving without football. >> just ahead the

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see how investing with a j.p. morgan advisor can help you. visit your local chase branch. coming up on abc 7 news at 6:00 -- >> there's a lot of thanksgiving joy over these christmas decorations. they were originally stolen but that's not the story here. they're important to someone very sick, and i'll have a story that'll make you smile up next. plus working up an appetite for thanksgiving. at turkey trots around the bay area, people didn't just go for a run or walk. they helped out those less fortunate. all right. that's all coming up in a half hour on abc 7 news at 6:00.

one of the best high school thanksgiving day rivalries in the nation, san jose battled lincoln today. >> lincoln beat san jose extended their winning streak to 22 in a row. it could be the last time the rivals face off on thanksgiving, but coaches want alumni to come together still and keep the tradition alive. as for the name big bone, they write the results of the game on that large cow femur. san francisco's annual turkey bowl pits the city's top two teams against each other. >> the game dates back to the 1920s and the mustang scratched out a win over the buccaneers. congratulations to all the schools. >> "world news tonight" is next. >> thanks for joining us into your homes this thanksgiving. >> as we take a live look

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tonight, breaking news. president trump in afghanistan. the commander in chief making his first visit to that war zone, thanking u.s. troops, helping to serve thanksgiving dinner. saying the taliban wants to negotiate peace in america's longest war. plus, how air force one made the secret trip. the monster storms coast to coast. fierce winds shaking those thanksgiving day parade balloons. one marcher getting knocked over. and the new storm pummeling the west. snow, rain and treacherous driving. a charter bus flipping upside down on an icy road. holiday evacuations. the chemical plant disaster forcing 50,000 people from their homes. the battle to control the flames and protect the air. choosing sides.