and you know, we are tracking the storm overnight. we're going to have all the information you need when you wake up. we're all getting up early. and we're going on early with the newscast at 4:00 a.m. tomorrow new york. please join us. good morning. breaking news, a large tornado cut a path of destruction across alabama overnight. >> there is a car flipped up in the tree. >> crews racing to find and free people still trapped in the rubble. while winter storms bring a treacherous mix of snow and ice to 100 million people from coast to coast. >> it is a mess, absolute mess out here. >> we'll have the very latest on the dangerous weather. al is tracking it all. lofty goal. president biden vows the covid vaccine will be available to anyone who wants it by spring.

>> it's going to be a logistical challenge, but i think we can do that. >> just ahead, the administration's plan for more shots despite the growing shortage, and the new travel rules to slow the spread of the virus taking effect today. signed and delivered. the stage now set for former president trump's second impeachment trial. house managers presenting the article to the senate, marching it through the same halls stormed by rioters he's accused of inciting. >> donald john trump engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors. >> just ahead, why republicans are pushing back and putting the trial itself on trial. one year later. tributes pouring in on this first anniversary of the helicopter crash that killed nba legend kobe bryant. >> it takes time. everyone has their own grieving process. >> we'll celebrate the lives of all nine people who were lost. >> she was an amazing human

being. she was a wonderful mother. >> with touching stories and memories from their families and friends. those stories, plus, all the president's pets. the biden dogs make their voices heard during their first day in the white house, as jenna looks back at the rich history of america's first animals. today, tuesday, january 26th, 2021. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. good morning. welcome to "today." it is a busy tuesday morning. so happy you're joining us. you look beautiful in red, by the way. wanted to let you know that. >> reminds me of the joke, what's black, white, and red all over? newspaper. remember the joke from 1942? al remembers and is loving the joke. we have a lot to get to, including a moment of history in

washington last night. for the second time in just over a year, an impeachment charge ainsagdonald trump has been delivered to the senate. ahead, we're going to walk you through what happens next, as preparations begin for the trial. we are going to start this morning with the dangerous weather. a deadly tornado striking near birmingham, alabama. it caused significant damage overnight. this morning, in other parts of the country, tens of millions dealing with powerful winter storms. we do have complete coverage. of course, al will have his forecast. we will begin with that tornado. nbc's blayne alexander is there. blayne, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning to you. we're standing here at what's left of the hampton in birmingham, alabama. what made this more devastating to the people here is the storm hit well into the night. it was jus lot of people were in bed asleep. the fire chief said they had minutes of warning to take

cover. this is the hampton inn. you can see the entire front of the building blown off as rescue efforts continue this morning. overnight, terror in alabama, with a powerful and destructive tornado touching down just north of birmingham. >> all units take cover, all units take cover. the storm is on top of us. >> reporter: the twister ripping the roof off of this hotel, flipping semi trucks like toys and turning homes into piles of debris. power lines were ripped from the ground, knocking out power to the area and hampering rescue efforts. one homeowner was able to catch this video of the tornado from his back deck. overnight, first responders flooded the area saying they are actively involved in search and rescue efforts. they fear some residents may be trapped in flattened homes. several surrounding communities have opened up shelters, but that is raising covid concerns as they

the middle of the night, but as the sun is comg ee the full extent of the damage. we've spoken with the fire chief this morning who says that so far there is one confirmed fatality, at least 17 people were taken to the hospital. this morning fire research and rescue teams are already back out sifting through this rubble, trying to find any survivors. we understand that there are currently a handful of people who are still missing this morning. what makes this more complicated is this is the end of january. typically we don't see weather systems like this blow through this time of year, making it all the more devastating here, hoda. >> blayne alexander for us, thank you. >> seeing those images and the other big weather story we're following, millions all across a potent mix of snow, ice and rain with more to come. it's already created hazardous conditions on the roads. kathy park is in ann arbor michigan this morning.

>> reporter: good morning to you. we are feeling the biggest impact of the storm right now in ann arbor where the snow is falling and sticking to the roadways, which could make for a messy morning commute. it's not just here. millions across the midwest and west are also gripped by this winter weather. this morning more han half the country is waking up to a wintry mess of rain, snow and ice. the nasty wintnter wallop causi accidents and spin-outs and in some areas a giant cleanup is under way. the storm slamming the nation's midsection with snow falling nearly 3 inches per hour in some places. in nebraska, troopers warned drivers to stay off the roads as winds whipped up and visibility dropped.sote mess out here. it's a standstill both directions, north and

southbound. there's trucks that are stuck. >> reporter: out west a dusting on the grand canyon, but it was enough to make roads dangerous. in utah, a terrifying crash on the edge of a canyon, two cars sliding off a slippery road, injuring four people. >> a crash in big cottonwood. you could see the truck go right across the road. >> reporter: on the new mexico interstate, a travel nightmare. the wrecks piling up as road conditions worsened. chicago is bracing for what could be its biggest snowfall of the season, as a storm system slowly pushes toward the northeast. back out here, much of the area is under a winter weather advisory until late this afternoon. as the snow begins to taper off there is a potential for freezing drizzle and there's also the possibility of another winter system by the end of the weekend. savannah. >> kathy park in michigan for us. thank you.

>> wow, it's rare that we have a weather lead. it's a big story, all the snow d ice acrosshe c tntry. >> that's right, we're talking a major pattern shift and that's what we're going to be watching. the jet stream, the storm track coming across the south and into the mid-lantic states. this is the one that caused the tornados. second system now, this is in the southwest. this will be our next coast-to-coast storm and then the third storm is out over the pacific. that's going to be a major impact in the west. we're going to look at that in the next half hour. right now, coast-to-coast winter weather advisories, 30 states, 94 million people under winter weather alerts. snow from chicago to new york city by late morning, a messy commute. afternoon snow for new york and new england. that means the afternoon commute is a mess. then tomorrow another storm system developing through the southeast, bringing heavy rain and snow for the appalachians. look at the snowfall forecast for the northeast through wednesday, we're talking some places picking up 8 inches of snow, update new york into parts of interior new england.

we'll continue to watch this as we go on during the day. we've got more coming all across the country, guys. >> thanks. we'll get the rest of the forecast in a couple of minutes. right now let's turn to the coronavirus and this morning there are new worries over those new variants of the virus, even as health officials race to vaccinate as many eligible americans as possible. and president biden is looking at ways to speed things up. in his first 100 days in office, an ambitious new goal. miguel almaguer has the latest. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. even as new infections, hospitalizations and icu admissions are slowing in much of the country, more than 3,000 americans are still dying every day, and many of those eligible for vaccines say they are frustrated by delays, ramping up pressure on the new administration to make up for lost time. >> reporter: an ambitious target, 1.5 million shots a day. president biden saying any american who wants a vaccine

should be able to get one before summer. >> i think we'll be able to do that this spring, but it is going to be a logistical challenge that exceeds anything we've ever tried in this country. >> reporter: the president also signing a travel ban to slow the spread of covid variants from the uk, brazil, and south africa, suspected of being more contagious and dangerous. >> it is probably already here, and we have to act as though it is already here. >> reporter: researchers say the variants, including another linked to outbreaks in california, underscore the need for speed. >> we really are in a race against time. >> reporter: but getting vaccinated has been far from quick and easy for many of those eligible for vaccines, especially seniors. >> i don't understand why they opened up all these sites without having a good understanding of what the supply was going to be. >> reporter: 69-year-old mary beth edmonds is an elementary school principal in new jersey. she made a vaccine appointment

50 miles from home, only to be turned away without notice. how optimistic are you you'll be able to get a vaccine in the coming days? >> not at all. >> reporter: frustration mounting for an elderly population trying to navigate unfamiliar technology. for elderly couples who aren't allowed to schedule appointments together, often ending up with slots days or weeks apart, if they can get one at all. >> there's nobody there that you can actually talk to. you get responses back from the doctors, "we'll call you, don't call us," kind of thing. >> reporter: dan morgan has been unable to get an appointment for his 91-year-old father-in-law. >> we don't know where the vaccine is, we don't know how many vials are being distributed to any location. if there was any more visibility, maybe this would be a little easier to accept. >> reporter: the new cdc director says the problem stems from the federal government not

knowing how many vaccine doses it has, leaving governors and state health officials unable to plan, and millions of seniors trying to navigate a confusing and come flex system. here in los angeles county, for example, the death toll has topped some 15,000. the state of california remains in crisis. but officials are now talking about rolling out vaccines not by job descriptions in terms of those 1a and b groups, but instead by age that could be rolled out soon. back to you in new york. >> miguel, thank you. >> moving now to overnight developments tied to former president trump's historic second impeachment trial, craig joins us with more on that. hey, craig. >> good morning, good morning to you as well. that process is moving forward now, after house managers delivered that single article to the senate, walking through the very same hall that was overtaken by rioters. rioters mr. trump is accused of inciting. this morning lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and president

biden are all weighing in on what should happen next. nbc's chief white house correspondent kristen welker joins us for that. >> reporter: good morning to you. all 100 senators will be sworn in as jurors today. the trial won't begin for two weeks but it's looming over the agenda of the current president and just about everything here in washington. this morning, the stage now set in the senate for its second impeachment trial of former president trump, after house managers delivered the single article of impeachment to the senate late monday. charging the former president with incitement of insurrection, for urging his supporters to march to the capitol before the deadly riot there three weeks ago. >> he thereby betrayed his trust as president to the manifest injury of the people of the united states. >> reporter: the former president has denied responsibility for the attack, arguing his comments were totally appropriate. democrats would need 17

republicans to join them for a conviction, a high hurdle. and as he seeks to push forward his own agenda, president biden the offering his most significant comments yet about the trial, telling cnn overnight, "i think it has to happen". acknowledging he doesn't think enough republican senators will vote to convict mr. trump. many republicans have already expressed opposition. senator joni ernst saying in a statement, president trump exhibited poor leadership and holds some responsibility, but adding, congress would be opening itself to a dangerous standard of using impeachment as a tool for political revenge against a private citizen. >> there is no constitutional provision permitting the impeachment for thsole purpose of removing them from running for office in the future of somebody who is no longer president, who is a citizen. >> reporter: rob portman of ohio saying he won't seek re-election next year, siting the toxic political climate in washington.

asked whether his decision will influence his vote on impeachment -- >> i am going to consider, among other things, what's best for our country. how to help heal our country. >> overnight majority leader chuck schumer saying the former president must be held accountable. >> his act on the 6th was the most despicable thing any president has ever done and he is the worst president ever. and you cannot just, let's move on. >> reporter: so the preparations begin now. most of the details of the trial remain unknown, including how long it will last, or if democrats plan to invite witnesses. now, democrats are predicting it will not be as long as president trump's first impeachment trial, which lasted for 21 days. for his part, president trump continues to have a powerful grip over much of the party. in fact, his former press secretary sarah sanders, announced her candidacy for governor of arkansas and he endorsed her. >> kristen, back to capitol hill, there was a breakthrough overnight.

there had been a days' long standoff over the rules, the nuts and bolts of how power will be shared in the senate between democrats and republicans. what happened? >> reporter: that's right. so this was a standoff between republicans and democrats, savannah, over how many votes it takes to pass a bill. the senate's top republican, mitch mcconnell, was fighting to keep the maneuver known as the filibuster, which requires 60 senators to act for most bills to pass. but democrats who hold a one-vote majority with 51 refused. mcconnell agreed to drop his filibuster fight, paving the way for a power-sharing system. bottom line, the work can begin, savannah. >> all right. kristen, thank you very much. appreciate it. so much going on in the weather department. mr. roker, what else are you looking at besides the winter storm? >> we've got the snow that's making its way through the great lakes. the strong storms continue through the southeast. cold and snow developing through the rockies and the next west coast storm is going to be powerful.

first, we're going to get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds. blue and... ...it's our promise to you and your pet. because like you...we love them like family, too. good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. as we watch the incoming storm approach our coast, this one, of course, expected to have some big impacts and starting to bring rain by this afternoon and getting heavier for this evening as it spreads across the bay area. we're looking at the possibility of anywhere from one to three inches of rain, but it may be much higher for our coastal mountains, causing some flood issues, as well as some debris flows. we could see this rain off and on continuing into the weekend.

>> and that's your latest weather. hoda >> al, thank you still ahead, slowing the spread what you need to know about the new rules for flying that begin today. plus, what one airline is doing to make it easier for passengers to get tested for covid. then another hot-button issue right now, the debate ove. kate snow will join us to talk to teachers and teens for a to teachers and teens for a story every parent should see.

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just ahead, marking one year since the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of kobe bryant, his daughter, gianna, and seven others. >> our conversations with family, friends and fans offering memories and stories to celebrate their lives after your local news (quiet piano music)

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you have all the ingredients for this in your fridge but ask yourself this... of all the times you've made it at home... has it ever tasted like our mcmuffin? ♪ba da ba ba ba.♪ a very good morning to you. i'm laura garcia. we are in this microclimate weather alert with a storm on the way and evacuation orders due to mudslide concerns. >> reporter: about 5,000 people in the santa cruz mountains are under evacuation orders or warnings this morning because of the incoming storm. santa cruz county sheriff's deputies went door to door to tell people in the most vulnerable areas to get out, and they there are flashing signs on the highway warning people as they drive into boulder creek. the concern is that the areas scarred by the czu fire are vulnerable to landslides and

flooding. there are three evacuation points, scott valley, pacific elementary school, and san lorenzo high. >> reporter: following the impact of this incoming storm on preparation here in the city of san francisco when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. now we know there will be some early closures with some testing sites in the city. some closings this afternoon and reopening later this week. and of course the weather will impact businesses that are finally reopening for outdoor activity as the city lifts its stay-at-home order. for any changes to covid testing sites, you'll want to check in with the city's website for any changes. it's probably a good idea to get things ready around our homes, too. we've got a little window of opportunity right now before the storm comes in, kari? >> yes, it comes in later this afternoon. and we are starting out with some cold temperatures, some of us below freezing. but then the winds start to pick up. the rain developing and spreading across the bay area by this afternoon. very heavy sierra snow headed our way along with those isolated flood issues because of

how much heavy rain we're going to see over the next several days. not a lot of breaks after today, so yes, right now is the time to get ready for this storm, laura. >> in fact, it's such a big storm we're going to go on early tomorrow at 4:00 a.m.

love you, kiddo. how about that >> good job. >> we're going to the super bowl, baby what do you think? i love you, man. >> well, yesterday, we saw it. now, we're hearing it. that sweet little moment between tom brady and his son, saying, "we did it, kiddo," after winning the nfc title game super sw >> and they get to play at home in tampa bay no coats they'll be enjoying themselves >> absolutely. we'll start this half hour with your 7:30 headlines

the senate approved janet yellen as treasury secretary, making her the first woman in u.s. history to hold that position. the vinyl vote, 84-15. yellen was chair of the federal reserve from 2014 to 2018. in the coming weeks, she's expected to play a key role in gaining congressional approval for president biden's covid package. a u.s. bankruptcy judge has approved a $17 million payout for women who accused disgraced movie mogul harvey weinstein of misconduct the money will be divided among more than 50 claimants last march, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison for felony sex crimes he faces six additional charges in los angeles. some history was made monday night in the nba for the first time ever, two female referees officiated the same game. jenna schroeder and natalie sago joining sean wright as the

three-person crew for the hornets/magic game the nnba currently has five womn on its full-time officiating roster the super bowl will have a woman on its officiating crew for the first time ever. sarah thomas there >> imagine one day, that won't be news anymore. >> right all right. also this morning, new travel restrictions are now being implemented to help reduce covid infection rates here in the united states. nbc's tom costello joins us from reagan national with more on that story tom, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning. so this is yet another strategy in the effort to combat covid-19, specifically the foreign variants, to try to keep them out of the united states. it comes at a time that air travel is really at a very, very low level post holiday season. these measures are aimed at international travelers coming into the u.s this morning, as travelers take to the skies overseas, new guidelines take effectay, the cs

passengers traveling intfoign c must show proof of a negative flight >> it's a beneficial rule for everyone >> getting those negative test results gives us an extra line of protection. >> reporter: the new measure aims to curb the spread of covid-19, which has already taken over 420,000 american lives. >> if we really want to get back to the travel we had before the pandemic, we have to do more to build confidence in the system. >> reporter: president biden signed a proclamation monday that reinstated travel restrictions that were rescinded by president trump days before he left office. >> with the pandemic worsening and contagious variants spreading, this isn't the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel >> reporter: biden's executive action bans non-american citizens traveling from south africa, where there's a new, more contagious and dangerous strain as well as banning foreign travelers from 26 european countries, ireland, the uk, and

brazil that came as minnesota identified the first u.s. case of a virus variant linked to brazil from someone who had recently traveled there. the biden administration calls the travel bans part of its science-driven approach to fight the pandemic >> stopping people from coming in or us going over there until we get it under control, that's going to make it better in the end. >> reporter: meanwhile, moderna's president tells me he believes the moderna vaccine remains effective against the new uk and south african variants. >> we're trying to bring forward a booster that would specifically help people increase their immunity against the south african variant. >> reporter: and airlines are making changes, too. starting in february, united will be the first to allow customers to schedule a covid-19 test through its website from there, the test provider will alert united directly if a passenger is travel ready. united's ceo tells workers the company is strongly considering a vaccine mandate for employees, which would be the first among

major airlines >> tom, in addition to the testing, will travelers also have to quarantine, too? >> reporter: so that really varies state by state. if you're coming in from a foreign country. now, the cdc recommends that people isolate for at least ten days, but it depends if you come into new york, texas, l.a., for example, every state has their own restrictions and rules on that. >> all right tom, thank you so much by the way, in our next half hour, we'll have stephanie ruhle here she's going to talk more about the airline changes. a lot of people thinking about booking trips. what you should consider coming up. just ahead, though, the two sides at play in the high-stakes decision over reopening schools in the pandemic. >> are we prepared for how many teachers and staff members will get sick, because it will happen >> i would always have someone i can physically talk to without having to dial their number or

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w ongoing series, "coronavirus in the classroom. there's a lot of debate right now about whether schools only offering remote learning should

reopen for in-person instruction. >> yeah, major concern tied to that conversation, whether virtual schooling is contributing to mental health issues for some students. >> it's on a lot of parents' minds. nbc's senior national correspondent, kate snow, has been looking into this issue good morning >> reporter: good morning. on his second day in office, president biden signed an executive order, pledging white house support to help create conditions for safe, in-person learning as quickly as possible. many parents and educators, as you said, want that to happen, but others say the risk of covid outweighs the benefits a warning, what we're talking about this morning is sensitive. the great debate over whether to send kids back to in-person school for this superintendent in clark county, nevada, which includes las vegas, it's not even a question >> it is a priority to bring normalcy to our children and family. >> reporter: since the distric

switched to remote learning last march, he says they've had 19 students take their own lives. >> we lost another kid saturday. >> reporter: this saturday i'm so sorry the youngest, a third grader, just 9 years old with virtual learning for nearly a year, jara says students have slipped academically, lost time with friends, and have no face-to-face contact with teachers or staff who can help them in crisis it is hard to know why someone takes their life, but do you personally think there is a link between virtual schooling and the number of suicides you've had? >> i think there's a factor involved in this, yes. i believe so. >> reporter: in what sense >> i think that -- i think the isolation. i think the kids reaching out, they don't have that vehicle in school right now i think there is a factor. anecdotally, i believe there is.

>> reporter: in rural washington state, high school junior lily via says her anxiety got worse after in-person classes stopped nearly a year ago. >> always had someone physically next to me i'd always have someone i could physically talk to without having to dial their number or text them through snapchat now, i'm just with my cat in my room. >> reporter: do you feel a lot of uncertainty right now is that part of the anxiety? >> yes i'm in my junior year. i'm planning to take the s.a.t.s. i'm doing college searches right now, i'm not learning. i'm not retaining any information. >> reporter: across the country, 42% of students are attending schools that are virtual only. chicago wants to open public schools for in-person learning next week, but the city's teachers union is refusing to return for you, the benefits of getting kids in the building, what they might get from it, doesn't outweigh the dangers

>> at this point, it does not. >> reporter: lori torres is a mother of three, and virtual learning hasn't been easy. she's also a spanish teacher for kindergarten through eighth grade. >> if we move quickly, are we prepared for the damage it could cause? are we prepared for how many kids will get sick are we prepared for how many teachers and staff members will get sick because it will happen >> reporter: the city points to a study of chicago catholic school students back in the classroom, that found in-person learning poses a low risk of covid transmission even lower than the risk in the broader community. the union says the catholic school system is much different than public schools. and they say since pre-k and kids with disabilities went back to public schools, there have already been positive cases at more than 60 facilities. president biden was asked about the situation in chicago monday. >> the teachers i know, they want to work they just want to work in a safe

environment and as safe as we can rationally make it we can do that. >> reporter: teachers and students waiting for answers, as school districts across the nation are tested by a relentless pandemic. a lot of teachers are also asking for vaccinations before they head back inside a school lori torres told me she'd feel a lot more comfortable and supportive if she had both shots. savannah >> kate, i mean, there's a lot of questions about what schools -- if they really are super spreaders, how much kids are spreading it at school, how much danger the teachers are in. >> reporter: yeah. it's tricky. there is some early data from some districts that indicate schools are not super spreaders. a large study by brown university looked at 47 districts in september and found infection rates below 1% another study by duke and unc found rates of transmission at schools were lower than community rates were but the reason this is such a

big debate, savannah, is there is no standardized, national database it is impossible to say for sure how a school with in-person learning compares to a school that is virtual. certainly, school districts that have students coming into school do have cases of covid that is a fact we should remind anyone, also, if you have anyone who needs help in your life, we mentioned suicide, the national suicide prevention lifeline is 800-273-8255 >> just the cost of this pandemic, i think, we'll be counting for decades to come kate, thank you for this eye-opening story. we appreciate it >> my first grader, my boy, he starts back full-time tomorrow it was a debate in our house for weeks whether we should send him back we know students need to be back in class we know that the balance with teachers who need and deserve to be safe, you know, i don't know how you do it. >> vaccinating is so urgent. got to get it done. >> yes. >> nick's school right now is

closed because there was reports of covid some positive cases. it's tough mr. roker, do you have a check of the weather >> speaking of tough, our friends out west are going to be in for rough weather coming in big storm system is pushing in, this system is going to make a big impact a large pacific storm with heavy rain, wind, mountain snow. feet of snow in the sierra nevada flooding in lower elevations this shifts to the south on thursday, with heavy rains and flooding most likely this atmospheric river of moisture will be pushing in there. rainfall amounts anywhere from 5 to 8 inches of rain. 5 to 8 inches of rain. debris flows over steep terrain, where they've had the burn areas. in the snowfall forecast, extreme blizzard conditions. we're talking, look at this, up to 7 feet of snow or more in the sierra nevada. we'll be watching this over the next several days. we're going to get to your loc good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall.

we are watching that storm now approaching our coastline. we will see rain moving in by this afternoon. first starting in the north bay, then spreading in with some of the biggest impacts from the storm moving in later on tonight. high winds and heavy rain will continue through early tomorrow morning. and we'll see the rain continuing through thursday, as well, then gradually tapering off on friday. in between, we're once again looking at some very heavy rainfall into the weekend. guys >> mr. roker, thank you, sir. coming up, a lot of folks thinking about kobe bryant, one year after the crash that killed the nba legend, his daughter, and seven others we're going to remember and celebrate them with some of the folks who knew them best first, these messages.

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good morning, it is 7:56 i'm laura garcia. here's what's happening now with the microclimate weather alert. >> reporter: i'm in pleasanton, outdoor dining has been allowed to resume here and throughout other parts of the bay area. one restaurant owner tells us he wasn't sure if he could even go a couple more months if this wasn't going to be allowed to happen soon. governor newsom lifted the stay-at-home order yesterday, as you can see on your tv screen. all nine counties in the bay area are back in the purple tier of reopening. the challenge, of course, is going to be this incoming storm and what impact it's going to have on trying to lure customers back. i'm kris sanchez. about 5,000 people in the santa cruz mountains are under evacuation order or warning this morning because of the incoming

storm. santa cruz county sheriff's deputies went door to door to tell people in the most vulnerable areas to get out and they're flashing signs warning people as they drive into boulder creek. the concern is that the areas scarred by the czu fire are vulnerable to debris flows and flooding. there are three temporary evacuation points, scott valley community center, pacific elementary school, and san lorenzo high. all right. let's see when the storm is going to come. kari's got the timeline. >> window for preparation is quickly closing as we go into this afternoon. as the storm approaches, we are going to see the rain spreading into the north bay by 3:00 this afternoon. and also some of the lighter rain already reaching parts of the east bay and south bay. it gets heavier as we go into tonight, along with some high winds and that rain continues off and on throughout the day tomorrow, as well as early on friday morning before we start to see this rain tapering off for a brief break. but we are going to watch out for the potential of one to

three inches of rain and slightly higher amounts for the coastal mountains. laura? >> all right. sound good.

♪ it's 8:00 on "today. it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, wicked weather. overnight, a powerful tornado tears through alabama, buildings destroyed, trees toppled, search and rescue operations under way this morning more than half of the country is waking up to a dangerous mix of snow, rain, and ice. >> it is a mess, absolute mess out here >> what do you need to know before heading out the door? al is tracking it all. plus, one year later we will honor the anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of kobe bryant, his young daughter,

gianna, and seven others. >> i know i still have, you know, trouble with it. you still just can't believe it. >> ahead, how the world is making sure their legacies are never forgotten. and top dogs we'll introduce you to the doggy duo already taking over the white house, as jenna looks back at the presidential presidents pets who called the residence home >> when barney decorates the whole house for the holidays >> barney, what do you have in store this year? >> today, tuesday, january 26th, 2021 ♪ i got you ♪ >> hey, savannah and hoda.at yoy today is our special day, our 35th anniversary >> wishing my son. >> and my brother. >> a happy 21st. >> at the university of wyoming. >> we love you, brendan. ♪ fly away with me tonight ♪

>> from our family. >> in california. >> make. >> today. >> awesome ♪ fly away with me tonight ♪ >> can we comment on the a-plus artwork? people are working hard on their signs. we want to say thank you we're happy you're with us it is a tuesday morning, a little after 8:00. we're happy you're sharing a cup of joe with us. >> we are. we'll get to the latest on the coronavirus just ahead we're also going to explore something new in covid testing tomorrow those at-home testing kits. >> you know, they should make it easier to get results. that's what they promise, but how reliable are those at-home tests? vicky nguyen is going to take a closer look. that's tomorrow on "today." let's get to your news at 8:00 there's a lot happening. extreme weather making news from coast to coast al is tracking the messy winter storm. first, nbc's blayne alexander is in alabama, where rescuers spent the night searching for survivors. i imagine doing the same this

morning after that deadly tornado. hi, blayne good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning to you you're absolutely right, that search is continuing this morning, and it is because of a lot of the damage, like you're seeing right here behind me. this is a hampton inn. it's right off the highway in fultondale, alabama, north of birmingham it is unbelievable almost. you can see clear into these rooms. the entire front ripped off. the sign is gone if we can pan around this way, you also see what's really making things so much more difficult. you see these power lines. we've seen power line after power line taken out of the ground, uprooted, completely mangled. that's left the town with no power. when rescue efforts are under way, that makes it even more difficult. we know, unfortunately, one person has been confirmed killed 17 people were transported to the hospital guys, there are some things about this that make it even more dangerous for the people here in fultondale one, it happened just before 11:00 last night, when people were asleep in their beds. another thing, the fire chief tells us they had only minutes

warning. storms like this rarely blow through at the end of january, so it was unexpected he said that he got a phone call, and moments later, he saw the tornado. very little warning for people to get out of the way, get out of harm's way. now, as for the search and rescue efforts, the sun is up now, officials are getting the full extent of the damage. we know a search and rescue team is getting ready to resume work any minute now, to search for people who may be trapped underneath the rubble. >> blayne alexander, thank you. now to the major winter storm that is starting to roll across the country, making travel for difficult and dangerous. al is tracking that. good morning again. >> good morning, guys. again, we are talking a wide swath of 94 million people 30 states from coast to coast under some sort of winter adou can see in the northeast, it's really starting to get picking up it is picking up around the great lakes. chicago looking at snow now. this system, as it pushes to the east, will develop more snow

we're talking about some places out west, in the sierra nevada, could see 7 feet of snow as we make our way into the great lakes and into the northeast, we're talking 3 to 6 inches of snow before this is over heavy rain out west. lighter rain along the eastern seaboard you folks in the middle of the country are getting off pretty well the next 72 hours we'll have more a little later >> we'll come back to you in a few moments, al. the new impeachment case against former president trump is moving forward this morning, with house members delivering the article of impeachment to the senate last night. "weekend today" co-anchor and chief white house correspondent kristen welker joins us with more on that good morning again. good morning again to you. the stage is set for the second impeachment trial of president trump. a solemn and symbolic march overnight, house managers delivering the single article of impeachment to the senate, charging the former president with incitement of insurrection, for urging his supporters to

march to the capitol before the deadly riot three weeks ago. democrats would need 17 plans to join them for the conviction and that is a high hurdle with many still opposed. right now there seems to be sharp divisions over party lines. take a listen. >> thereby betrayed his trust as president to the manifest injury of the people of the united states >> there is no constitutional provision permitting the impeachment for the sole purpose of removing them from running for office in the future, of somebody who is no longer president, who is a private citizen. >> reporter: today, all of the senators will be sworn in as jurors in the trial, which will begin in two weeks most of the details of the trial, though, remain unknown, including how long it is going to last or if democrats plan to invite witnesses they are predicting it will not be as long of a trial as president trump's first impeachment, which lasted 21 days for his part, the president continues to have a powerful grip over much of the republican party, craig. >> kristen welker from the white house, thank you

president biden says the country should be able to soon administer 1.5 million covid shots a day. more than the current target of 1 million vaccinations per day the white house has ordered fema to set up dozens of vaccination sites. for now, many americans are still dealing with the frustrating shortage of both vaccines and information they complain searching online to book appointments, only later to have them canceled when supplies run out the president is issuing new international travel restrictions to slow the spread of those more contagious covid variants. the treasury department will resume its efforts to put former slave and abolitionist harriet tubman on the $20 bill the plan to replace andrew jackson on the 20 was originally announced during the obama administration president trump delayed the project. the white house said yesterday it is important for the country's money to reflect its history and diversity. tubman would be the first black american to be depicted on u.s. currency 8:07 feels like a good time for a

boost. >> i got your boost. babies born last year might have a slightly different view of the world, growing up with the pandemic people wearing masks is normal to them. this little girl thinks every device attached to a wall or tree is a hand sanitizing station. pretends to get a squeeze, rubbing it over her tiny little hands and fingers. she finally actually gets to an actual hand sanitizing station, but she's too little and can't reach it doesn't come out imagine our kids these days, they're all growing up haley was looking at pictures of us before masks and she was that was when you were 3. >> they're used to it. having clean hands is not the worst thing to happen to toddlers just saying. >> exactly. when we come back on this tuesday morning, we will celebrate the nine lives lost far too soon in that helicopter crash one year ago, as friends share new tributes and memories of kobe bryant's special bond with his daughter, gianna.

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>> reporter: retired los angeles star kobe bryant killed in a helicopter crash >> one year after the world learned the devastating news, it is still hard to fathom. family, friends and fans around the world remembering those lost >> it takes time everyone has their own grievance crash. >> reporter: the helicopter crash taking the lives of all nine people on board, including nba superstar kobe bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, gianna, remains a lasting source of heartache. >> i still have, you know, trouble with it. you know, you still just can't believe it >> reporter: kobe's lasting impact on the sports world and beyond immeasurable. overnight, kyrie irving wearing his late friend's jersey oh!e espn rectary full of

>> reporter: also re-aired also re-aired kobe's final game, a 60-point masterpiece in 2016 >> what can i say? mamba out. >> kobe bryant on the court was, you know, a fierce competitor. >> reporter: former nba star zach randolph competed against kobe for more than a decade and his daughter mckinley played for him on team mamba. >> he took my daughter, and her improvement in her basketball game and conditioning, as well, it was a blessing, man. >> he really, like, locked in my love for the game. he really encouraged me to play my game. >> reporter: christina mauser, mother of three and coach for team mamba, was among those on board the chopper. >> she was an amazing human being, wonderful mother. >> reporter: her husband, matt, says christina's strength and compassion lives on. >> i'm using my wife's life and our love together to move

forward and find joy again for my children and for th vanessa, taking to instagram, opening up about her own grief, encouraging others struggling to keep going writing, in part, grief is a messed up cluster of emotions. one day, you're in the moment, laughing, and the next day, you don't feel like being alive. adding, find your reason to live kobe's wife of nearly 20 years summoning the strength to speak to millions just weeks after her husband and daughter's tragic deaths. >> i couldn't see him as a celebrity, nor just an incredible basketball player he was my sweet husband and the beautiful father of our children he was mine. he was my everything >> reporter: kobe was the ultimate girl dad, a doting father of four and coach to his daughter, gianna rising basketball star in her own right. >> what he did in raising his daughters was exceptional.

they had athletic aspirations. he was able to be someone who could mentor them and show them what the game was all about. he also showed them what life was all about. >> fans would come up to me, and she'll be next to me, and they'll be like, you have to have a boy you and v have to have a boy, carry on the tradition, the legacy she's like, oh, i got this i got this >> reporter: on gianna's seventh birthday, kobe posting this picture with the caption, "time has wings. a statement that now hits close to home. although their time on earth was cut short, it's their legacy that will last forever >> i was there in los angeles a year ago today, in the aftermath. it really is hard to fathom, that it was one year probably because so much has happened, but also because, you know, kobe was supposed to be around for decades he started this new chapter. we had shaq on last week, and he expressed sort of that similar

it's so hard to get your head >> and the other lives lost, you know easy to talk about kobe, but there were so many other lives, young. i think vanessa's strength that day, staples center, two weeks after, to this day, is one of the greatest examples of strength and grace i've ever seen from anybody in any circumstance it was remarkable, she was able to get up there. >> among the events, by the way, planned in remembrance, tonight's concert for christina. musical tribute for all the lives lost, organized by her husband, matt. it is going to benefit the christina mauser foundation, providing scholarships and aid to female athletes learn more at today.com. we'll take a pause and get a check of the weather, al. >> take a look and show you what we have going on around the country. snowy mess in the northeast. later today, strong storms continue mid-atlantic and the southeast another storm comes into the pacific northwest. cold and snowy in the central rockies. morning snow around the central great lakes. that's what's

>> that's your latest weather. don't forget, find us any time dylan, sheinell on "today" show radio. sirius xl m, today live having soup and a sandwich and taking your calls we're having lentil soup and sandwiches >> i'll tune in. do you have "pop start"? >> i do.

like so many of us during the election, jimmy fallon took notice how hard steve kornacki was working at the big board, keeping track of the polls and votes coming in. now that election season is over, jimmy decided to thank steve by cleaning his office at msnbc, which turned out to be a bigger job than he thought >> yikes. >> no, no. are you kidding me oh, my gosh. what happened? steve kornacki, what is going on has he been living in here what was that stuck to america election studies this is a light read i don't need to know i have no -- you're welcome, steve. >> dear steve, i thought 2020 was a dumpster fire, but then i saw your office. >> is that real? is that steve's office >> yeah.

>> really what it looked like? >> i used to have an office a few doors down from steve. that's an improvement. >> chuck todd, similar office. >> all right. >> we have to get jimmy over there. >> yeah. next up, uncle al, the peanuts gang is coming back to tv apple tv plus released the trailer for its new original series ♪ the snoopy show" follows the beagle and his friends, including charlie, linus, lucy, and woodstock >> thanks for the inspiration, snoopy ♪ do something crazy ♪ >> whoa! can you believe this dog >> love the show it is going to give me nightmares when i think about my halloween costume here the good news about this, the "snoopy" show debuts the 5th of february on apple tv plus.

>> i'm interviewing jean schulz. >> i can hear andy cohen lose his mind that's his thing. >> halloween characters, google it >> can't unsee it. >> don't. cookie monsterildhood icon, the "sesame street" character popped up in a very unlikely place. look what a geologist, mike bower, showed on facebook. this is a volcanic agate rock that looks exactly like cookie monster inside once he cut it in half it was found in brazil in november he's gotten multiple offers of $10,000 for this rock. here's a split screen. >> there you go. >> unbelievable. what did cookie monster have to say about this well, he responded on twitter by saying, me no geologist, me think that rock look a lot like me. >> that's a great cookie, carson >> cookie. >> i hope my little goldie is watching she watches "sesame street"

every day. finally, time for our super bowl commercial kick-off we're getting a small, sneak peek at some of the most exciting, and star-studded ads for the big game this morning, we have a tease of amy schumer's partnership with hellman's. have a look. ♪ >> amy schumer joining us on "pop start." good morning to you. >> good morning right back to you, sir >> let me tell you, what is this, the wings that sprouted? what mayo magic do you bestow in this ad? >> you wish i would tell you that, but that's just a tease. the full commercial will be on i just found out it's during the second quarter >> okay. >> so before the weeknd halftime show, so i'm technically opening for the weeknd the weeknd. >> looks like you're dressed as a flight attendant are we getting warm?

>> no, no. you're getting colder. you're getting very -- you're getting as cold as new york is this week. >> is it a funny ad? is it poignant or both >> it is very dramatic everybody will be laughing hysterical crying. it's funny i play, like, a character. that's all i'm allowed to say. >> way to really tell us something, i play a character. >> you'll have to wait with bated breath. >> come on, amy. >> here's my legs. i'm wearing sweatpants because i'm at home. isn't that the best? you're happy i was wearing pants, savannah. i know you were worried. >> with you, i'm never sure. never sure i always put the delay on when you join us. >> very smart. >> we know one thing, amy, you are a huge fan of j.lo at the inauguration we got a little sneak peek of you and little baby gene, and you were singing to him. let's watch that ♪ let's get loud ♪

>> what a talent ♪ let's get loud ♪ >> what a talent >> wow >> let's get loud, it's appropriate for all kinds of scenarios. >> getting ready for bed. >> there's never a bad time. you can be in the middle of a song at an inauguration, and it is not a bad time. you can always sing "let's get loud." >> how is little baby gene, who i call the hall of fame cute baby just adorable. what is he up to what are his tricks? tell us everything. >> he is doing really big things, like standing on one leg. he's pretty proud about that, when i say flamingo. this is the most exciting thing. i should tell chris to bring him in i'll tell chris to bring him in. it is pretty funny but he can hail a taxi you don't believe me, right? he can >> i don't believe you.

>> he can't speak yet, and he can't -- he only says a couple words, but that guy, if you need a taxi, he can hail you one. >> he's your guy >> chris, bring him in >> are you texting him >> i said to we'll see. >> by the way, is your cooking -- the cooking show with chris has been fun to watch. how much better of a chef are you now? >> oh, really bad. learned absolutely nothing, just nothing. i really appreciate this i'm so excited -- if somebody needs a taxi >> here he comes. >> hi, baby. >> look at that. >> can you hail a taxi how do you get a taxi? >> there you go, look at that. >> yes >> hey now >> that's right. >> do it again we need another cab. there's too many of us >> and i'm out. >> can he call an uber >> can you hail a taxi hail a taxi. he's not doing it again. he doesn't like to do things on demand he's like me

excuse me, i'm promoting hellman's mayonnaise >> when you make grilled cheese, do you use butter or mayo to make the grilled cheese? >> whoa, that's a little -- i know, mommy is promoting so you can go to college. that's a little too personal, actually i'm, like, someone who loves -- has always loved mayonnaise. do you know it is called best foods west of the rockies. >> mm-hmm. >> you knew that, al i had no idea. >> of course. >> hellmann's mayo here in new york west of the rockies, best foods. is that, like -- >> mind blowing. >> amy, who do you like in the big game, in the game itself >> oh, god, i assume you're talking about the "bachelor. i like all the crazy ones. i like all the crazy ones. no, i have no idea actually, when they told me i was going to be in, they're like, the third commercial break of the second quarter. i was like, i have no idea how

many quarters or halves there are. i felt pretty bad about it >> mayonnaise on your french fries or ketchup >> mayonnaise. i'm glad you asked that. very european, right >> it can change your life >> i like mayo on everything that's the truth . good morning, it's 8:26, i'm cierra johnson, california today officially reshuffles the priority list when it comes to the covid vaccine distribution. top priority will now be age based, everyone 65 and older will stay at the top of the list. along with those frontline health care workers, other essential workers including first responders, as well as teachers will slide back until the first phase is complete. it's likely those over 50 will be next in line. the state's top doctor will outline the new plan to do at noon. now we'll have a check of the weather, kari hall, good

morning. >> good morning, this is what we've all been talking about, this incoming storm that's going to bring us some heavy rain. along with some gusty winds starting later this afternoon into the evening. the rain continues in the forecast. and we could even see anywhere from one to three inches of rain over the next couple of days but the mountains in our coastal ranges will see possibly over ten inches of rain. this is going to be a really big soaker. as we go into the weekend it looks like we only take a break from some of those showers on monday before more rain comes in on saturday. san francisco looking at more of the same, just watch out for those high winds starting to pick up tonight. >> i'll have another local news update for you in about a half hour.

we're back at 8:30 it's tuesday morning that's our little neck of the woods. we are happy to see you on the 26th of january. we're going to have some fun in this half hour how about that >> yes. >> starting with a look at the white house's newest residents not who you're thinking about. the biden dogs major and champ, they're having a major moment. >> they are. >> yes. >> quickly, kids, they made their voices heard in washington just ahead, jenna, we're going to revisit that stuff. she's going to revisit her old stomping grounds to see how they're adjusting, and a lesson on the history of presidential pets

>> all right plus, are you thinking about taking advantage of low air fare and booking a trip if you are, stick around there's stephanie ruhle. she's going to be here to show you how to get the best deals, while also staying safe, and the potential impact of new travel restrictions on your next trip we've also got something for those of you spending a t oflo time at home style expert melissa garcia is standing by. there's melissa. she'll show us how to get the most out of our loungewear, pieces that will last you all day, through the meetings, quick trips to the store, workouts, as well. speaking of workouts, don't miss this. 3rd hour, craig will be teaching us how to make fitness more fun. >> he's not. >> working out with your family. >> no, he's not. >> that's craig's brother. there will be dancing there. >> what happened there >> oh. >> where is the music that goes along with that? >> at the end, there is some bbd.

>> that's impressive. >> carson knows his music. also, tomorrow on "today," jill martin is going to look ahead to valentine's day with romantic "steals and deals." jewelry, chocolate, sleep sets guys, get out your pencil and paper. >> the greatest hits let's get a check of the weather. >> don't need the pencil and paper because we have the qr code. >> there you go. >> weather for today, big storm system making its way into the northeast. strong storms down through the south will be moving out next big storm comes in on the west coast as we move into tomorrow, you can see the effects of it, major storm out west with heavy rain and the heavy snow snow levels below 500 feet record highs out to parts of florida. afternoon snow moving its way into the upper mississippi and ohio river valleys that's what's going on a good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. taking a look at our forecast, we are going to have that rain rolling in here by this afternoon. and the brunt of the storm will

be hitting us during the overnight hours with some high winds and very heavy rain. it continues off and on throughout the day tomorrow as well as thursday. friday, the rain tapers off, but there will be another storm system coming in by saturday and sunday, and more off and on showers in the forecast through early next week. >> that's your latest weather. guys >> mr. roker, thank you. as the bidens settle into their new home, two other new white house residents are getting a lot of attention this morning. >> that's right. major and champ biden, the first dogs jenna is joining us with a lot more than that hey, jenna. >> the first dogs who are my parents' favorite children it's a longstanding tradition for the first family to bring their beloved pups with them to pennsylvania avenue. my family had three dogs everybody forgets spot and a cat when we lived there. we're learning the biden dogs are already making themselves feel right at home >> folks, thank you very much, for being here. >> reporter: as president biden

signed an executive order, the presidential pups cheered him on in this oval office video, his dogs, major and champ, can be heard barking in the background the german shepherds just arrived to the white house sunday, but wasted no time getting to know their new home major is a trailblazer the first shelter dog to live in the white house. >> thank you very much >> thank you congratulations. bye, major. >> reporter: she was adopted by the bidens two years ago, after the entire litter required extra medical attention. major was welcomed to the family by champ, now 12 years old first dogs are no strangers to the spotlight. ask my family's pets my grandparents' dog, millie, became a best-selling author. >> barney, you better get started and run along right now. >> reporter: scottish terriers, barney and beasley, starred in

videos >> when barney decorates the whole house for the holidays. >> barney, what do you have in store this year? >> reporter: after barney came bo, president obama's portuguese water dog. >> he is a star with star quality. >> reporter: later, joined by sunny. while president trump didn't have a dog in office, america has been fascinated by all presidents' pets how they were named. >> it was a little cocker spaniel dog, black and white, spotted. our little girl, tricia, the 6-year-old, named it checkers. >> reporter: and how many they had. jfk had a whopping 22 pets ranging from puppies to parakeets and ponies president reagan had two canine companions, lucky and rex. president carter had grits, born the night he was elected and president clinton had buddy, who was notorious for fighting with his cat, socks. perhaps most familiar with first family pets is dale haney, the beloved white house grounds

superintendent for nearly 50 years. he also helps care for the white house dogs >> hi, dale. >> reporter: i was lucky enough to visit again five years ago and say hi to dale. >> i actually dubbed dale the dog whisperer. he's phenomenal. >> reporter: we know that barney and beasley loved us, but who did they love the most >> always your father. >> reporter: behind every commander in chief is another top dog, providing friendship, love, and loyalty. >> by the way, dale is still there, taking care of the biden's pups when i said who was their favorite, their favorite was dale don't tell my dad. their favorite was dale. the bidens said they're making room for another pet in the near future. >> not a cat. peon they're getting a cat. >> wow. >> they're getting a cat. >> i love this story of the presidential pets. it's like such an equalizer. it's the bridge between normal american families, like ours, and the first family oh, they have a pet, too.

>> also, my grandpa and dad used to say there's, like, never a type of love that somebody can give you, other than a pet kids talk back, you know my dad actually has a shirt that says, "my favorite child," and it's a picture of his new dog, freddie. >> major is the first rescue shelter dog in the white house, too. they went to the delaware humane association. that's helping them get people to get dogs, too. >> barney and ms. beasley, i ran into ms. beasley once covering your father at the white house and she growled at me. >> what were you asking? she was a protective pup by the way, whoever pulled up these old clips sure gets an a-plus for awkward moments. >> look at this. >> look at henry >> i love that. >> he's going to kill me barney and beasley didn't really like me either, if that makes you feel better. >> did they destroy important

furniture in the white house >> no, they just bit reporters>. >> for real? >> for real. >> oh, geez. >> including, i believe, did they bite or growl >> just a growl. it was jarring >> yeah. >> i'll post a picture of me and ms. beasley. coming up next, low ticket prices tempting travelers. >> stephanie ruhle >> she's going to walk us through it all. through it all. >>i'm morgan, and there's moreg. to me than hiv.

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including hepatitis b or c,... or if you are, may be, or plan to be pregnant. your doctor may prescribe a different medicine... than dovato if you plan to be pregnant or if pregnancy is confirmed during the first trimester. dovato may harm your unborn baby. use effective birth control... while taking dovato. most common side effects are headache, nausea,... diarrhea, trouble sleeping, tiredness, and anxiety. so much goes... into who i am. hiv medicine is one part of it. ask your doctor about dovato—i did. we're back it's 8:40 with "today consumer". this morning, what will your next vacation look like? >> vacation. >> haven hrdn so long nearly a year after the initial lockdowns, americans are hoping they'll be able to get away in 2021 of course, there's safety concerns at play. >> that's right. joining us with tips and advice, nbc's senior business correspondent stephanie ruhle.

hi, stephanie. good morning i think a lot of people are feeling the itch to get out of the house and thinking, well, if i book for maybe later in the year, probably things will be safer. they're worried because they wonder, can i cancel, let's say, if the pandemic really isn't over and it's not safe to travel >> well, first and foremost, we always want to remind people that traveling can increase your chances of getting and spreading covid. to stay your safest, the best thing you can do is postpone if, to your point, you're looking to book something later in the year, booking it sooner rather than later is the best bet for your money it's logical the sooner we get to vaccinating more people and travel becomes safe, you're going to see prices go up because there is this pent-up demand we all want to go. think about when you're traveling. the sooner you book, the better from a price perspective. >> you think you can book now for, let's say, next november, and if, by chance, it's still not great to travel, can you

still get a refund could your get your money back >> it depends. last year, we saw airlines, hotels, travel companies be very, very accommodating like anything, it's always about the fine print just because you got a refund, it might not have been a complete refund to cancel. it may have been a book by date. so make sure you check something you canceled you might need to book it soon if, right now, you want to book and you have to pay up for the chance to cancel, it's most likely worth it. prices are lower, and you want the option to cancel, especially if you're planning a spring break. we don't know what things are going to be like in the next few months. >> what is a vaccine passport, steph, and do you need one >> so experts are split on this. the idea that you can prove, i've been vaccinated, and then get to travel. because we're still very early in the vaccine distribution stage, the cdc cannot yet say what proof of information you want to share to make traveling safe of course, no surprise, there's all sorts of tech companies jockeying to make this technology to put on your phone. nothing has been decided yet

>> what about the slopes, are the ski resorts really filling up now >> okay, this one, i think, is important. i ski on the weekends. there are things people don't realize. ski resorts have become super popular because it is naturally an outdoor sport, you're socially distanced, skiing and snowboarding it is recommended as a safer sport. it is also recommended to wear a mask under your ski mask, especially if your ski mask is wet. this year, you cannot just say, hey, it's a snow day, let me run out and go on a ski trip or drive up to the mountain no way a lot of mountains are limiting the amount of tickets they sell. you need to reserve ahead of time maybe what's most important, especially for recreational skiers like me, be prepared, lots of lodges are closed. you have to go old school. bring your lunch bring a hot chocolate. if you're somebody who likes to get a run in, take a break -- >> where do i get the hot toddy? >> not an option you have to bring it from home. >> steph, one quick question, switching to finances.

we covered the mega millions $1 billion payout. give me one reason -- we said we'd take a lump sum -- there is a benefit for a 29-year annuity payment. >> first of all, you have to be in it to win it. you may want to -- it could impact the pay you're taxed. also, remember, when people get money that big in one time you'll have to pay a huge amount of taxes, but you also might want to spread it out so you behave a bit more responsibly. >> behave. that's a good one. >> good, steph. >> anything you want to tell us, asking the lottery questions out of the blue? >> we would all take the lump sum. >> i know. >> i get it. >> you'd all take the lump sum and do what with it? have everyone and their brother demanding a zillion dollars from you? no >> change my phone number. new cell, who is this? coming up next, if you haven't put on a pair of jeans in one year, this next story is for you. why the loungewear trend is here to stay, and how you can pull it to stay, and how you can pull it off for almost any occasion.

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we're back with today's style. people working and learning from home. let's face it, it'll probably be a while before people are back to business as usual. why not just get comfortable? >> get comfy. style expert melissa garcia is here to help you embrace all day loungewear, to take you through virtual meetings, your workouts, your errands. nobody is changing clothes. we like this. we like this a leggings are a staple. i mean, if you have the perfect pair of leggings, the rest is easy, right, melissa >> yes i totally agree. just let's be honest, fortunately or unfortunately, athleisure wear is probably here to stay. fauci said we'd probably not get back to normalcy until maybe the fall let's embrace athleisure wear. i love a great pair of leggings. i agree, hoda. i tested and tried all these

products we'll show you today. the leggings we're going to start with are these amazing ones we all need a great pair of black leggingsmous. these were tiktok famous these are aerie leggings 130,000 person wait list they're worth it super soft and comfortable from aerie. the waistband is flattering. wear it to the gym to the grocery store, as well you want something a little more fun, more patterned, the middle ones are a tie-dye print from amazon and tonal leggings are another huge trend we're seeing. lots of earthy tones not easy to wear if you're going to do an earth tone, like i tried these, as well, they're from the gap, i'd do a darker earth tone with some texture in it. >> i like the high waist that makes it. >> not easy to wear. that's well said i understand i can relate on leggings let's go to the tops you want to jazz up the top because a lot of us are on the zoom calls all day it's all you see

>> yes, i agree. so they have zoom's tops, but we want to be comfortable, as well. a great workout top, if you're working from home and working out, too, i love this. this is from kohl's. super cute really comfortable nice sweatshirt. there's tons of colors under $15, which is great. for those zoom calls, your perfect zoom top you see in the middle from amazon i love that it is really soft and comfy. feels like pajamas, but it has an elevated silhouette with the ruffle detail. another cult favorite is this one from free people you can wear it anytime, anywhere super cozy it is a heavier weight again, under $40 tons of colors to choose from. >> what top are you wearing? >> i was just thinking that. that's cute with the puffy sleeves. >> this one isn't here, but we can talk about that. >> let's get to your bread and butter you're the queen of matching sets we know it what do you have for us? >> yes, so i love a great matching set one and done

it's so easy, you can't mess it up i love this one. it is great. tie-dye was having a moment. this set, you guys, under $15 for the set. you can't go wrong from shein. amazing. if you want something a little more elevated, again, you want one with a little more structure, little more details, the one in the middle, as you see, is from target. it has beautiful details on it, as well. again, you can break up your matching sets to get more bang for your buck. last, believe it or not, velour jumpsuits are making a comeback. we think of juicy couture, but they have elevated silhouettes, so they're a bit more modern super cozy this is from old navy. this has a little tie-dye detail in it. great for working from home and running out, doing errands, whatever you may be doing. matching set is definitely a must-have for me. >> velour. if a scrunchy and a fanny pack can come back, why can't velour

get in on it >> find all these pieces on our website, today.com/shop. we are back in a ment.om

we're back birthday time, mr. roker. >> it is favorite time of the day we break out those smucker's jars, start spinning them around, and meeting some nice folks. first up, happy 103rd birthday to dori boileau, avid reader from west lake village, california she's fine-tuned her skills on the piano, and she still plays to this day. christine bess is from franklin, tennessee. busy bee celebrating 100 years served as a board member in nashville. happy birthday to george darrington, jr he's from montgomery, alabama. he's got 14 kids

we're waiting. >> waiting 100 years. >> that's right. soak it in moving on, shirley olarnick, friendly lady. celebrating 100 years. known as the faux mayor at her condo building where she's lived for 40 years richard malafa is also 100 from arizona. he's been on more than 40 cruises. a lot of good times there. happy 100th birthday to thomas varbero, world war ii vet from harrison, new york his secret to longevity, do what makes you happy. we appreciate you for your service, sir there you have it. >> all right >> i like that. >> love that. >> you'll live forever if that's the case. >> we try. by the way, craig has been looking for his makeup you can use mine >> nothing off limits with you. >> nothing >> not a thing >> did you think growing up, you'd be saying, where's my makeup >> no, i did not i did not. later on "hoda and jenna," amy schumer is back.

also, leah remini, who is hilarious. we'll have both of them on today. it'll be a lot of fun. >> one of my favorite segments. >> next hour >> "3rd hour today." >> after the second and before the fourth. >> my younger brother is going to join. >> oh, yeah. >> what could possibly go wrong? >> careful 6 feet, al >> that's right. >> i'm taking care of you, craig. >> thank you back in, what, five minutes? >> something like that >> all right >> right after hair and makeup >> have a good day >> bye

good morning, it's 8:56, i'm cierra johnson, we're in a mic yo climate weather alert with the storm on the way and an atmospheric river behind it. people living in the burn zones of the santa cruz mountains are bracing for a possible one-two punch starting with tonight's arriving storm. the fear is too much rain could

trigger mud slides. some 5,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. and here's a look at the potential danger the areas in red are under evacuation orders, mostly along that san mateo santa cruz county border. areas in yellow are under an evacuation warning and for areas in blue it's an advisory. also happening now our kris sanchez is at one of three evacuation centers where people will be waiting out the storm. she'll have a live report ahead of our midday newscast. and with that wet, windy weather, not -- could be coming at the worst time for many bay area businesses that just got the green light to reopen with lifting that stay at home order. our bob riddell is looking closer with everything at that story. everything at midday with kari hall's updated timeline on the storm's arrival. go to our app to sign up for weather alerts and forecast.

the first big rain event of the winter season is taking aim at the bay area. >> a wet blustery morning commute on tap. we'll have live team coverage, join us for a special earl edition of today in the bay tomorrow morning at 4:00.

live from studio a in rockefeller plaza, this is the "3rd hour of today." >> good morning and welcome to the "3rd hour of today," like that announcer guy said. i'm sheinelle with dylan, craig, and al. >> that is al. >> she said the announcer guy. >> it's been running for a year. >> maybe i need to change my earpiece. >> before the show, craig asked a question about our "off the rail" show. >> which is going to be great. >> is it an hour or 30 minutes. we've been doing it three years.