conditions and weather on twitter, facebook and instagram. download our free nbc bay area app. as we hit the road this morning, we leave you with a live look outside. the "today" show is next. good morning. breaking overnight, battered. powerful storms tear across the midwest. winds up to 100 miles per hour destroying homes and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands. in minnesota what could be the state's first ever december tornado. we're live with a first look at the damage and al will tell you what you can expect today. from bad to worse? the cdc issues a new covid warning just ahead of the holidays. cases and hospitalizations expected to skyrocket in the days leading up to christmas

with omicron set to become the dominant strain. is it time to start changing your plans? we'll tell you what health officials are saying straight ahead. wireless warning. experts sound the alarm about the impact about 5g technology on passenger planes and the equipment pilots use to land. airline executives saying it could lead to widespread flight cancellations and delays when it goes live next month. just ahead, the urgent race to fix it. hope out of heartbreak. a live interview with nick cannon as the popular tv host opens up about the loss of his infant son and celebrates the special times they did share together. all that plus urban bungle. urban meyer fired as head coach of the jacksonville jaguars. what went so wrong just 13 games into his nfl career? ♪♪

and thunder road to riches. bruce springsteen selling his iconic music catalog for a half a billion dollars. the star born to run now racing all the way to the bank. today december 16, 2021. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb. live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. welcome to "today." it's a busy thursday morning. happy to see you this morning and happy that you're starting your day with us. >> christmas eve is one week from tomorrow. public service announcement. >> i'm going to get busy. we have several breaking stories this morning including that dire new prediction from the cdc. a massive spike in new infections by the end of christmas week. we'll talk to dr. jha about what that means for your holiday plans.

>> we begin with yet another outbreak of historic and severe weather. the midwest hit hard overnight, just days after those devastating tornados ripped through the region. president biden touring some of the damage yesterday. >> first, shaquille brewster joins us from minneapolis. >> reporter: it's windy here in minneapolis, but this is nothing compared to what we saw in the overnight hours. normally we would be talking about a nor'easter. but for the first time ever in december, minnesota dealing with a report of a tornado. >> reporter: overnight, a record-setting storm tearing through the midwest. in minnesota, a possible tornado in what would be the state's first ever december twister. >> look at all the lightning from this system here in december. >> reporter: tornado warnings stretching through six states. at least 19 tornados reported in parts of iowa and nebraska alone.

overnight, nearly 100 million americans under high wind alerts. those hurricane force gusts leaving behind a trail of debris. >> it was crazy. sounded like a train going through. >> reporter: hundreds of reports of damage stretching from the southwest to wisconsin. in kansas, blinding conditions on the roads. the dust so thick there were reports of mud rain. winds up to 107 miles per hour crashing into colorado, sending trailers flying and toppling trucks in december. at denver international airport, a rough landing for some and major delays for others. >> it was rough. >> she was squeezing my hand the whole time. >> reporter: and the wild weather transitioning to winter storms. in iowa, all-time december highs reaching the mid-70s providing

fuel for all those tornados. and in the winter storm warnings in the area. tornado warnings in the southern part of the state. that is so unusual for the state in december. and potentially dangerous. >> thank you so much. >> al is here with more on the storm and what we need to know today. some folks are traveling. >> got a lot going on. you look at the wind damage reports. they stretch from california all the way to the upper midwest. we're talking 517 reports across 17 states stretching 2,100 miles. 75 miles per hour or more. the most ever recorded in one day. and now we still have 51 million people being impacted by wind advisories and high wind warnings from minnesota to new york down to ohio. we're looking at these strong wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour as this front pushes to the east, we've got the risk of severe weather stretching from little rock down to tyler,

texas. we're going to be looking at heavy rain mayfield is going to see heavy rain in kentucky today showers and thunderstorms in those hard-hit tornado areas and a new storm tomorrow down in that kentucky area and this is over saturated soils already saturday, the rain stretches from the mid-atlantic to the gulf coast with snow into new england. the wintry mix will be moving in later. the rainfall totals, locally, 3 to 4 inches from northern texas right through the mississippi and ohio river valleys look at mayfield right there the poor folks are going to see more heavy rain and a decent amount of snow up through new england. anywhere from 4 to 6, 8 inches of snow in that region as well guys let's move to the deepening covid crisis as cases surge from coast to coast the cdc warns the omicron variant is about to make things even worse while it may be less severe than delta, some data suggests it

could be more contagious and more likely to reinfect. dr. ashish jha is here to answer the big questions. but first, miguel almaguer has our report good morning >> reporter: good morning. we're looking at the convergence of several issues here creating a recipe for disaster. delta is overwhelming hospitals today. omicron is expecting to spread and tens of millions of americans who could be vaccinated refuse to do so all of this comes as we see dark projections. >> reporter: as medical centers already face a crushing wave of delta patients, new predictions

for omicron are ominous. by the end of christmas week, the cdc now predicts the variants will fuel a massive spike in new infections. up to a 55% increase 1.3 million cases in just seven days but the grimmest prediction, the death toll could shoot up 71%. the cdc says well over 15,000 lives could be lost in a single week in philadelphia the health commissioner making this holiday plea. >> please do not get together with other households for christmas or if you do, keep those gatherings small. >> reporter: this morning, our future looking more like our past as lines for covid testing grow and mass vaccination sites are set to reopen, closures are once again rippling across the nation more schools are turning to remote learning. apple stores in three cities now shuttered because of a rise in infections with more employers considering booster mandates, experts say omicron cases could double every two days here in the u.s even though existing vaccines

may offer less protection than they did against earlier strains, they still appear to fend off serious illness. >> if we didn't have these tools, i would be telling you to really, really be worried. but we have tools. so get vaccinated, get boosted >> reporter: with tens of millions still unvaccinated and many past due for boosters, the most dangerous surge is still likely weeks away. this morning, a somber reality as our country faces the prospect of another dark winter ahead. as cases rise here at home, omicron cases are spiking in the uk this morning, there are reports that the queen is canceling a preholiday lunch with her family at windsor castle to avoid putting anyone at undue risk >> thank you and that sets us up for dr. ashish jha good morning. >> good morning, savannah. >> omicron is here it is spreading explosively, particularly in the northeast. what do you expect for the

coming weeks >> yeah, it's rising a lot faster than anything any of us had initially expected and it's a concerning situation look, it's doubling about every two days and i expect it to become dominant by the time we get into early january really all across the country it's not just going to be in the northeast. >> people are looking at their holiday plans for get-togethers and travel if everyone is fully vaccinated and boosted, how safe is it to get together and how does testing play into those get-togethers? >> those are two really good questions. if everybody is vaccinated and boosted i think it's safe for people to get together if there are people who are at high risk, elderly, immunocompromised, i would add a layer of testing to that everybody get a quick rapid test before they get together it will make it that much safer. if you're mixing vaccinated and unvaccinated people it increases the risk and their testing

becomes essential. >> previous strains of covid had those telltale signs, you might lose your taste and smell. this omicron variant has its own telltale signs and some people think it might be milder what do you know about that? >> yeah, those are the anecdotes we're hearing, that people who have been infected so far, a lot of them are reporting much, much milder symptoms. and that would be great, by the way, if that turns out to hold out in a broader population, that would be just terrific. again, we don't have very good data on this yet, savannah it's more stories. i think we're know more in the weeks ahead. >> breakthrough infections are happening. they're happening with people who just have the two shots. they're even happening with people who are boosted why is that? is it -- do we need to kind of change our thinking about what it means to be vaccinated? it's not necessarily protecting you from infection, it's protecting you from severe disease and deaths

>> look, first of all, it would be great if we could protect ourselves from infection that's obviously always a goal that said, this is a variant that causes so much immune escape, sort of pushes our vaccine so much that we are going to see a lot of breakthrough infections. i would love to prevent infections but the most essential part is preventing hospitalizations and deaths and our vaccines are doing a good job, particularly if you're boosted. >> i have one quick one, if you have a prior covid infection, presumably at this point with delta or the original variant, does that provide any protection against omicron? >> it provides a little. what is clear from south africa and elsewhere, there's no way it's going to provide nearly enough protection. if you've had previous infection and you're relying on that as your immunity from omicron you're probably going to get infect asked may get sick. it's worth getting vaccinated on top of that. >> good to have your straight top. thank you very much.

it is 12 minutes after the hour craig is here with another story that impacts anybody who is traveling. >> not just covid. good morning, good morning to you as well. airlines are now warning that the new 5g wireless service that is set to start next year could disrupt thousands of flights every day. the technology could interfere with aircraft electronics. kerry sanders is taking a closer look at that for us. >> reporter: good morning. at&t and verizon spent more than 65 billion dollars for the frequencies that will allow us to use our phones at blistering speeds. but this morning the airline industry says there needs to be a delay in the rollout of that 5g technology because it could interfere with the safety of hundreds of thousands of flights. >> reporter: phones have hyped 5g as a major forward in

technology allowing data to move faster than ever before weeks before the 5g towers go live, this morning a warning about possible interference with crucial technology pilots rely on specifically altimeters, an instrument used in almost every landing. it tells pilots the plane's distance from the ground imperative when landing in low visibility or bad weather. just last week, the federal aviation administration issuing an extraordinary air worthiness director that reads in part, altimeters cannot be relied upon to perform their intended function if they experience interference from wireless broadband interference airline executives on capitol hill wednesday. >> if you were to ask us what our number one concern here is in the near term, it is the deployment of 5g. >> reporter: the airline industry warns flights could be canceled or forced to divert to

is airports without 5g interference potentially impacting thousands of flights a day and millions of passengers, especially at big airports nationwide. the airline industry is urging cooperation to resolve the issue. >> we could absolutely solve this and live in a world where there is 5g available. >> reporter: the cellular industry and the federal communications commission say 5g is already rolled out in over 40 countries in the world without impacting aviation at&t and verizon are committed to reducing 5g power levels near airports. >> does it make sense, though, that one hand of the government, the ffa, and the other hand of the government, the fcc, didn't figure this out in advance >> they have not been able to get in the same room and reach consensus to this point. >> troubling to you? >> it's causing a degradation in aviation safety. it's very troubling. >> reporter: again, the issue is with 5g cellphone towers and not the phones that we carry it's important to note, if you use t-mobile, those frequencies do not interfere with the

plane's avionics craig? >> thank you. let's go back to al and get the rest of our forecast. >> let's see what else is happening in the country we're going to be watching strong storms firing up in the lower mississippi and ohio river valleys. very windy around the great lakes. here in the east, some record highs. we're going to look at that coming up in the next half-hour. but we're going to get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds.

showers on the decrease moving out for the morning hours. for the afternoon a slight chance of showers in mendocino county. highs in the low 50s today, setting the stage for frost coming our way. rain comes back starting late sunday and plenty of rain early next week with heavy rain at times along the coastal mountains. talked about the warm weather and hoda is pro winter cold >> we're near christmas. you just said christmas eve was a week away. >> al says, gift cards are the best >> especially for late teens, millennials. >> and they show up on time. coming up, inside the covid outbreak now rocking professional sports.

teams in the nfl and nba forced to sideline dozens of players reigniting the debate over safety what's being done to keep the seasons going. nick cannon is opening up to honor his 5-month-old son zen, weeks after losing his boy to a rare form of cancer. but first this is "today" on nbc. los

still ahead, queue the flashbacks we prepare to welcome a new year we're going to look first at the many good times we shared right here in 30 rock and beyond in 2021. >> it's hard to believe it's been a year. lots of dancing, al roker, lots of dancing. >> is that really dancing? ♪ >> is that really dancing?

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before discovering nexium 24hr to treat her frequent heartburn... claire could only imagine enjoying chocolate cake. now, she can have her cake and eat it too. nexium 24hr stops acid before it starts for all-day, all-night protection. can you imagine 24 hours without heartburn? good morning. i'm marcus washington. here are our top stories including a criminal trial wrapping up in the south bay. >> reporter: at the elizabeth holmes criminal fraud trial, closing statements begin here today. make the case to the jury that elizabeth holmes knew her technology did not work and yet continued to take money from investors and put patients' safety and health on the line. her defense has talked about abuse and control at the hands

of former boyfriend and theranos executive. they get their chance to speak tomorrow. good morning. i'm cierra johnson in the peninsula. some folks waking up this morning with no power because of the wind and the rain wreaked havoc on some of the pg&e lines. in millbrae, this intersection was completely dark last night because there was water that got into an underground vault. pg&e has been working on this intersection all morning. if you see flashing lights or no lights, treat it as a four-way stop. rob has a look at temperatures. >> we start to see the rain move out now. the wind coming down too. the trend from here will be decreasing showers around the peninsula and south bay as we head toward the afternoon. clearing skies, cool temperatures today, less wind and more sunshine. highs low to mid 50s today. dry through about saturday but plan on a stormy start to next

week. another local news update in 30 minutes. i'll meet you back here then. hey, angie! you forgot your phone! hey lou! angie forget her phone again?

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♪ ♪ who doesn't want to sing along? rudolph is on his way? nine short days until christmas. >> you can feel the stress. >> no, no stress there's still time there's always buy online and pick up in store >> i remember that >> let's get to your 7:30 headlines. the jacksonville jaguars have fired head coach urban meyer after less than one year on the job. it brings to an end a season for meyers who had missteps on and off field. his firing came hours after josh lambo told a florida newspaper

that meyer kicked him during practice in august the jags won two games this season with meyer at the coach. sergeant first class alwyn cashe will be posthumously awarded the medal of honor and he will be the first african american to receive that award for actions in iraq or afghanistan. we first told you a story last november, in 2005 the sergeant was on patrol in iraq when his vehicle hit an ied he dragged his comrades out of the burning vehicle. it was initially awarded a silver star, but a campaign was started to upgrade that award to a medal of honor we talked to his sister about what that honor means to her. >> it's important that he receives it for a soldier for what he did. i don't want anybody to say he got it because he was a black man and there was a push

no, he got it because he served it sergeant cashe died three weeks later. today his widow will accept the award from president biden in his honor. >> well deserved. rock 'n' roll hall of famer bruce springsteen has sold the rights to his music to sony music. including 15-time platinum album "born in the usa." it is the most lucrative transaction in history for a single artist catalog. now to the spike in covid cases. >> this week alone, the nfl has seen 100 new infections. the nba and nhl being hit hard as well. what's being done to stop all of it sam brock is in miami with more. good morning >> reporter: good morning. the numbers are way up

the nfl says that two-thirds of the new infections are asymptomatic this right now as all three leagues are re-examining their covid policies to try to deal with the omicron variant. >> reporter: the nfl tackling covid safety again after a deluge of positive tests washington and cleveland alone have 18 players on covid reserve with the browns losing their starting quarterback baker mayfield and head coach who was vaccinated and boosted >> it's not ideal, obviously but the hope is to get a full practice in tomorrow if we can and we'll deal with tomorrow, tomorrow. >> reporter: the league's chief medical officer explaining some of the hundreds of new cases are link today the new omicron variant. >> we have a lot of people in the nfl who have low levels of antibodies

>> reporter: sharpening the focus on booster shots any new rules would have to be approved by the league and its players association. >> i think it calls for modifications to our protocols in general and we're working with the players association on that >> reporter: the nfl pa pushing back saying the nfl decided to take away a critical weapon in our fight against the transmission of covid-19 despite our union's call for daily testing months call. >> the players association was begging the league back in september to go to daily testing for vaccinated players, just like they do for unvaccinated players. but the nfl wanted to create very strong incentives to get players to get vaccinated. >> reporter: now some changes under consideration, ramped up testing for vaccinated players, more education on booster shots, and returning asymptomatic players back to the field

sooner the covid surge also snaring the nba. with superstars giannis antetokounmpo and james harden sidelined. kevin durant almost couldn't take the court tuesday after losing seven players to protocols. >> it's weird not having them in the locker room. >> reporter: all of the leagues finding themselves on defense again against this so far unbeatable rival >> and the vaccination rates for players are incredibly high, 95% for the nfl. 97% for the nba and even so right now, espn reporting that the nba is looking at elevated testing for all players regardless of vaccination status nbc news has not confirmed that report craig, back to you. >> sam brock for us in miami thank you. coming up next, guys, finding open after heartbreak. we will speak with nick cannon about the painful loss of his infant son how his family is relying on faith and love to get them through and their plans to now help others coming up after this

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♪ the best part of wakin' up is folgers in your cup ♪ welcome back for more than two decades, nick cannon has been a fixture on our tvs, connecting with millions of fans through his comedy, music and one of a kind hosting talents. >> nick is opening up in a way he never has before. he's sharing the heartbreaking news that his 5-month-old son zen tragically passed away first, his family's journey. >> we knew that the time was -- >> reporter: nick cannon sharing the unimaginable >> it happened the last -- holding my son holding my son for the last time

>> reporter: the usually upbeat tv host revealing his 5-month-old son zen tragically passed away on december 5th, telling "people" magazine, my heart is shattered in august, baby zen was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. >> we went in just to check his sinuses. by the time we found out that he had another condition. they called it like a malignant tumor in his head. >> reporter: doctors performed surgery but by thanksgiving weekend, zen's condition had taken a turn nick and zen's mom, alyssa scott, made the difficult decision not to pursue further treatment, telling "people," the conversations quickly turned to how can we give him the best life for the time he does have nick and alyssa spent their final day with zen on the beach, watching the sunrise he says he's grateful for the outpouring of support from his fans and extended family

the 41-year-old is father to six other children, including 10-year-old twins he shares with mariah carey through the hardest of times, nick showing a glimpse of the genuine entertainer we all know and love with a heartfelt message. >> hug your family, kiss somebody the holidays. we'll be right bac tell them you love them. it's the holidays. we'll be right back. >> nick cannon is with us now. nick, good morning our deepest sympathies to you and your entire family i just want to say, i feel like i've watched you for years sharing your joy every time i see you, i watch you and you make everybody at home feel better but this was -- this was different. this time you decided that you were going to put your pain on the table for people to see. just how are you doing this morning?

>> hoda, i'm taking it as my therapist says five minutes at a time i'm optimistic in the -- finding the purpose of -- through all of the pain i'm attempting to smile. i'm attempting to be the high-frequency individual that i set out to be, but, i mean, along the way, there's some courage in the journey i'm taking it five minutes at a time. >> zen was obviously a lovely, wonderful little boy and i found it just -- when i saw you speak about it on your show and i watched it, i thought to myself, nick is sharing this news in a place where he feels love. is that what was going through you when you were telling people about it >> honestly, it was a lot of fear involved. i'm so used to being upbeat and outspoken, even vulnerable at times. i'll talk about anything but this was probably the most

delicate and the most precious thing i've ever had to talk about. i didn't know how to talk about it i never imagined having to be in this scenario. so as much as -- it was such an outpouring of love, there was a lot of fear. obviously some hurt and not really -- you know, i wanted to be the protector as well for the rest of my family. alyssa and all it's a very delicate thing, even when talking about this. that's coming from a person who is used to talking to people each and every day live here on television it's scary. >> how did you -- was there a point where you just knew, nick, that something wasn't right? we described it a little bit in the piece. when did you realize that there

was a real problem here with zen? >> it was really a shock because he was such a vibrant and really just calm but had a light to him that -- we had no idea i thought he had a minor sinus problem and that had nothing to do with it that was the surprise. we're taking him in to make sure he didn't have anything going on or even possibly, you know -- fears of covid or something like that and then to get this news was shocking to our entire family. >> you are a man of faith, clearly, what did you say to god in this moment >> one of those things -- i mean, you pray for miracles. and coming from a faith-based background, it's not for the miracle to do something that's unknown to us, but it's really for the things that we can find comfort in i asked for the miracle of strength, to be able to be here today. and then find that peace that surpasses all understanding. >> that's beautiful. how is alyssa doing? >> she's strong. she is one of the strongest individuals i have known i couldn't imagine -- i mean, as

a father, it's painful but for a mother who carried a beautiful child for nine months and nurtured and cared for him every single day through this process, i mean, there was so many medicines and, you know, so many trips to the hospital and the doctor she's also -- she's a mother of two. to watch her go through this and even after -- again, like i said, i try to be a protector. to see her have to deal with this and see these photos each and every day, scrolling down her timeline, all we could do is kind of connect in prayer and i attempt to be there for her. but i watch her strength and i'm in awe daily >> i thought it was beautiful that you said your entire family came together. you have other children that everyone -- everyone gathered around, held hands it was a moment for everybody to bond and i thought that was beautiful. >> indeed. >> nick, i know it's difficult for you and thank you for sharing this i know people at home have suffered losses who know what you feel and were probably comforted by your words.

i just want to say thank you i know it was tough this morning and i really appreciate you. >> i appreciate you. i appreciate this opportunity. obviously, just like you, we wake up early, we do live television coming from my studio here in harlem, it's one of those that you got to keep pushing through it and i thank you for your prayers and care you can come down here whenever you want we're right down the street. >> you got it. nick, all the best to you, and all the best to alyssa and the rest of your family. >> thank you. mr. roker over to you. >> faith and a smile thank you so much for sharing that, nick we are looking at sharing high temperatures, records today from boston, burlington, rochester, new york, cleveland, ohio, all looking at records today tomorrow, those records move to the south for tampa, savannah, birmingham, new orleans, and shreveport all at or above record temperatures. look out, here comes the cold finally. minneapolis, detroit into the 30s, washington into the mid-40s.

. our night of rain and strong winds starting to move out around the bay area. you see decreasing showers here on the radar. that will be a trend through mid-morning. then we'll have clearing skies and cool temperatures through the day and a chilly night in store. low to mid 50s. from here we should be dry through the beginning of the weekend. more rain due in late sunday night with possibly heavier rain monday through midweek. >> and that's your latest weather. >> i cannot wait to introduce you to two guys who got an idea, they were college football teammates and they said, you know what, let's help kids in our community with a holiday toy drive. they left college. this is still going. >> wow >> it's taken on a life of its own. >> amazing >> this will warm your heart but first these messages

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clearing skies, 48 degrees in walnut creek. the trend is for decreasing

showers, clearing skies, chilly average temperatures and temperatures tonight dip into the 30s around the valleys. we have highs in the low to mid 50s. we should see dry weather as we head into the beginning of the weekend and then early next week that rain makes a comeback. could see another atmospheric river connection monday through wednesday of next week. enjoy the chilly but dry patch. more rain comes back late in the weekend. >> we'll have another update in 30 minutes.

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merry savers find the best bargains ever! when you have the world's longest list you go to ross so you can work that budget and get those savings. i love saying yes to more merry for less at ross. it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, historic outbreak record-breaking storms tear through the midwest, including the possible first ever december tornado in minnesota so where's it headed next? we're tracking it all just ahead. toy story. meet a pair of football players helping kids in need look at how their toy drive started and the special surprise we set up for them with a little help from santa himself. and 2020 fun ♪ rolling, rolling, rolling on the river ♪ >> we look back at the year that was, from jumping out of planes to rocking out on the plaza. >> we look back at the year that

was, from jumping out of planes to rocking out on the plaza moments this year, today, thursday, december 16, 2021. ♪ >> christmas trip from delaware and maryland shout-out to international falls, minnesota. >> celebrating her 70th birthday. >> here for lucy's sweet 16. >> it's my graduation trip from texas! >> happy graduation. >> happy everything. welcome back to "today." we're so happy you're with us on this thursday morning. >> it's a good one. >> friday eve. we have a packed hour ahead. let's get to your news at 8:00 millions of americans have been through a night of unusual and violent weather with more than a dozen tornados slamming the central part of the country. winds reaching 100 miles per hour in colorado damaged homes and lefts tens of

millions without power and minnesota possibly hit with its first ever december tornado. the hurricane-force winds with heavy rain made for dangerous travel conditions across the midwest. al as more on where the storms hit hardest and where they're going now. >> incredible rain, wind an 18 wheeler blown over by these high winds, high-profile vehicles were no match for this. dust storms, wildfires in kansas let's show you what we had, how we started and where we are now. basically we are talking about wind reports that started tuesday afternoon in california and made their way across the country 2,100 miles worth of them, 517 reports across 17 states the most high wind reports ever recorded in one day. right now we still have high-wind advisories and warnings for 46 million people

from minnesota and down into central ohio and we have severe weather possibly firing up late through tonight from little rock to tyler to shreveport for wind gusts and hail this fast-moving front bringing rain, showers and storms more rain for those poor folks and mayfield and tomorrow in kentucky, they're going to see more rain. saturday, it stretches from the mid-atlantic to the gulf coast with snow in upstate new york and new england. but the rainfall amounts are going to be heavy again. 3 to 4 inches in the mississippi and ohio river valley. new england, anywhere from 4 to 8 inches of snow. >> we'll come back to you in just a moment.

meanwhile, a dire warning from the cdc about a potential wave of new covid cases that could be just weeks away miguel almaguer has more on the troubling numbers and some familiar precautions that are being rolled out once again just before the holidays. good morning. >> that's right. good morning we're looking at several issues creating a recipe for disaster delta is already overwhelming hospitals, omicron is expected to spread and tens of millions of americans who could be vaccinated simply aren't and now we have these dangerous new projections you were talking about. this morning, hospitals are already facing a crushing wave of delta patients and these new predictions for omicron are ominous. by the end of christmas week, the cdc now predicts the variants will fuel a massive spike in new infections, up to a 55% increase or 1.3 million cases in just seven days but the grimmest prediction

here, the death toll could shoot up 71% the cdc says 15,600 lives could be lost in a single week and now our future is looking more like our past as long lines for testing grow and mass vaccination sites reopen, closures are once again rippling across the nation. overseas, omicron cases in the uk and france, for example, are spiking dramatically, perhaps a foreshadowing of what's to come here at home craig? >> miguel almaguer for us there in los angeles thank you. we've got our news covered how about a boost? here we go a 96-year-old grandmother who grew up in new york but moved away after college told her granddaughter stories about seeing the radio city rockettes when she was a little girl after watching the dance group at the macy's thanksgiving parade, her granddaughter did this, surprised her with a trip to see them again in person. >> we have a hotel tomorrow night. >> no. >> yeah. and i got us tickets to the rockettes. >> no! really

i can't believe that oh, my god >> what a wonderful gift, shelby >> shelby and grandma toured the big apple before the show. afterwards they got to meet some dancers. what a real experience how beautiful could that -- >> i love that i just took my kids to the rockettes. shelby got a great show and so did grandma. coming up next, 2022, we're almost ready for you, but not before we take a good look back at the year that was, the fun we had right here on "today." >> we guarantee you are going to be smiling after this one. what the heck is that? don't know we'll find out after this. >> i remember. >> first these messages. >> it's still on my hand everyone will want to be a dog. coated in delicious peanut butter-flavored yum. dog life's more fun with milk-bone dipped.

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...even sneaking away for a vacay rashida. shhh! i've earned this, okay? earn 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category, up to $500 spent each billing cycle. with the citi custom℠ card. welcome back the gang is all here because we are going to celebrate we're going to take a look back at our favorite moments right here in studio 1a all around the world. >> first, we got to get a check of that weather. >> let's show you what we have for today. we've got record highs along the eastern seaboard strong storms firing up in the mississippi and ohio river valleys. more snow out west and windy and here's what's happening in san francisco right now. clearing skies, sunshine around downtown, as the showers begin to move off to the south and east. cool air, though, moving in behind the storm from last night. we'll keep daytime temperatures

in the low to mid-50s. showers again exiting the bay area for now, should stay that way through about saturday. sunday, we'll see the rain come back, probably for the north bay, late afternoon and then monday through wednesday of next week, could see another atmospheric river connection with more wind and a lot more rain through midweek. >> that's your latest weather, guys >> thank you it's hard to believe just 12 months ago we were all still social distancing and so eager for the return of a more normal daily routine. >> along with our vaccinations, 2021 delivered some uplifting moments. >> we welcomed guests back into studio 1a, our plaza returned to life with crowds and concerts. >> and this morning we thought it would be a great idea to look back at fun we shared throughout the year ♪ ♪ i've been missing yesterday what if there's a better place ♪ ♪ cover me in sunshine ♪

♪ cover me in sunshine ♪ >> how long have we been waiting for this moment? >> we're doing it. >> come on come on. come on. >> that's what i've been waiting for. >> i can touch you guys. >> it feels like we're back. >> it does feel like we're back. >> look out! >> al is encouraging everybody to take a walk today >> now he's dancing. >> it is a tuesday morning >> hump day! >> never gets hold >> what time of the day is it? >> it's the best time of the day. it's "pop start." >> the graphics departments started school today if they want an education, they can stay home and work with

their old man. >> celebration of a decade of savannah guthrie >> now my whole family is here >> we're wicked. >> broadway's back >> the name of an nbc "today" anchor who is adding show host to her resume. >> who is savannah guthrie >> welcome to jeopardy >> it will be weightless. >> something i've been waiting to hear my entire life. >> it's a bird, it's a plane, it's superman. >> it is a beautiful clear day, a perfect day to jump. say a little prayer. >> here we are >> yes >> let's go! ♪ >> forgot to tell you that i spent my fridays growing up at

the bowling alley. >> that would have been some good information. >> today show pickle ball tournament >> can't lose. >> we won! >> cheers. >> we're in new york city this morning. we're feeling so good. ♪ ♪ the secret is out and it only gets stronger with age ♪ ♪ ♪ caught up in my head like a melody ♪ ♪ the secret is out and it only gets stronger with age ♪ ♪♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ rolling rolling rolling on th

river ♪ ♪♪ ♪ ♪ together forever na, na, na ♪ ♪ ♪ rolling rolling rolling on the river ♪ ♪♪ ♪ when we sing a song at times we may be crying ♪ ♪ without even knowing ♪ ♪ >> are you asking me whether cr♪ ♪ without even knowing ♪

♪♪ godzilla and king kong are boys or girls >> i've never seen -- i never went through more -- i gave a blood sample ♪ i love it when you do it like that ♪ it like that ♪ ♪ give me ♪ give me the shivers ♪ ♪ when they say the party's ove then we'll bring it right back ♪ >> we're on morning television so we can't talk about female pleasure. >> look at these eyes and tell me you're not going to fall in love. >> america is falling.

>> again and again. >> don't blow this do not blow this opportunity >> i need to have a little girl talk with my girl, just a little you look happy i've known you for years. >> i am happy. >> you look happier. >> i'm always happy when you see me hoda. >> your friend ben affleck and a little thing we call bennifer. ♪ >> what were you like as a little kid. >> i was a pain in the butt. >> i call it a [ bleep ] show. but you can call it a circus >> start low >> no, no. >> so much fun >> i have ten minutes to get out of the house and get to work >> apologize for my friday hair. >> this is how you get your

beyonce hair ♪ >> i said craig got a new haircut. and i looked closer, craig got >> i said craig got a new an earring >> channeling 1984 today. >> what do you think about savannah's shoes >> awesome did anyone wear a size nine? >> those are jenna's shoes >> there you go.

>> no! >> let's get ready to make some noise for the mvps of halloween. ♪ >> arriving to the stadium now, the league's favorite dynamic duo. ron gronkowski and tom brady the pride of kansas city, patrick mahomes. >> the weeknd who lit up the stadium. ♪ >> bruno mars headline that was a runaway success. ♪ >> please welcome, the dallas cowboy cheerleaders. ♪ >> my girlfriend doesn't eat meat, i got to adjust. >> who is your girlfriend?

>> she's going to remain nameless for now, but thanks for asking. >> i'll have it by the end of the segment. nothing remains nameless, bobby. >> you are dating up, bobby. you are a lucky man. >> who is talking about vodka over there, somebody >> carson. >> eaten a whole bundt cake already. >> you have the toasted marshmallow. >> kick off to our thanksgiving. 21 fantastic chefs from every

corner of the country. >> cheers. >> cheers. >> you fill it up and then you pop it stories make life so much fun. >> don't they, though? >> our -- >> our -- >> you have more coming up too >> yeah. >> i just said that. >> i didn't hear that at all. >> by the force be with you. >> may it be with you too. >> all the trekis in the house. >> we're not trekis. >> get out >> sorry >> "today" show road trip. >> we're shining a light on cleveland for reopening america series and this city is coming back. >> i'm at the philadelphia museum of art. things are slowly but surely picking up >> this is dylan dreyer on 18. she drops it >> supersenior

>> sheinelle live on the field at gillette stadium. ♪ >> this is famous in tokyo, giant rainbow cotton candy this is stuck to my hand now i will send it back to you >> that is hilarious. >> it's never coming off, ever ♪ >> first of all, it's great to share a meal with you. it's even better to share a sake with you >> our "today" show mascot is -- >> the latest american medal winners in the house

>> usa! ♪♪ >> so glad your olympic dreams came true. >> america is proud of you >> it is fun to watch them get embraced by this crowd >> usa ♪ >> 30 candidates become the next united states citizens we're honored to host their naturalization ceremony. >> you're a citizen and we're sure proud of you. bless you. ♪ >> some of our frontline workers, our nurses. this is national nurse's day. >> this is the start of breast cancer awareness month are you ready to turn this baby pink >> we promise, you will leave inspired today a special event for

international day of the girl. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ merry christmas ♪ ♪ it's a new york city christmas ♪ ♪ merry new york christmas ♪ >> man♪ it' >> wow ♪ merry new york christmas ♪ >> man. >> >> what a year >> who had to sift through all of that footage. we owe somebody a major thank

you. >> her name is erika she does it every year a labor of love. >> people say it all the time, it's not lost on us that we work in an environment where we genuinely care about each other. we have our families but this is family too and you guys at home are also our family >> yeah. >> when you think about the year that passed, we think about all the dark spots because it's been a tough one, but it was nice to look at that. >> we had a lot of fun this year. >> imagine if they put in there what we do during the commercial break. >> i don't think we would make our 70th anniversary >> it would be our last show, but it would be worth it >> the best part is the fun of 2021 isn't over. look who is coming to visit, meghan trainor got a special holiday performance for us and she always brightens up the world after your local news.

good morning to you. 8:26. i'm marcus washington. the california coastal commission today debates a controversial plan to eliminate what's become a massive infestation of -- of bugs. they plan to involve aerial drops to poison bait, this is to kill off a large number of european house mice that are now running on the island. environmentalists fear potential damage to the island's ecosystem and that other animals will feel that impact. that meeting will be streamed live later this morning. let's get a look at that

forecast for you today. that rain a big talker today. >> and now we're starting to see the flip side to all of that is the clearing sides. finally now, san francisco, a few lingering showers around the santa cruz mountains and the hills there, east of snowy. the trend from here will be the chilly, drier air settling on in, powering up a cool afternoon. even with the sunshine, highs today, low to mid-50s. showers in the rearview mirror for now. and they should stay there through probably the start of the weekend. look at our highs, staying in the low 50s, mornings cold enough for patchy frost and the rain does make a big comeback early next week, monday through wednesday, rain at times. >> thanks, rob. >> another look at that forecast coming up for you a little bit later. another update coming up in 30 minutes.

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and, it's guiding you along the way. start a relationship with citi and earn a cash bonus when you open a new eligible account and complete required activities. ♪ 8:30 now thursday morning 16th of december, 2021 great crowd on your plaza this morning. hello, everybody coming up, we're going to introduce you to other people who are making spirits bright. two former college football players teaming up and reaching out to families in need so they can have a very happy christmas. >> also ahead, we've got meghan trainor. she has many reasons to celebrate. next week marks her first christmas as a mom it's her birthday and her

wedding anniversary. big month for meghan and we're going to hear one of her beautiful holiday hits too. >> i love the sweater she's rocking. coming up on the third hour of today, for our latest dad's got this, we're going to meet a father who started a movement on the south side of chicago and it all started with a simple children's book. al, you're going to head to hard-hit mayfield, kentucky. >> it's a community that is so much in need after those devastating tornados we're going to try to do our part to lend a hand. we're going to bring you stories of folks there and share ways that we can all help in the recovery. >> al, i'm so glad you're going. i think you can do so much good and our viewers can do so much good let's wrap our arms around the folks in kentucky. let's get a check of the weather. >> for the weekend, we'll start

off with friday, record warmth in the east, a flood risk making its way through the mississippi river valley, including our friends in mayfield. sunshine out west. on saturday, it's going to be snowy in parts of upstate new york and new england very active out in the pacific northwest. on sunday, sunday, snow comes to an end in the northeast, quiet pattern in the midwest wet weather in the pacific northwest. dry and cool through the southwest. and right now, we're starting to see the showers move off to the south and east from here. just a few more isolated showers, as chilly air drops in from the north. you'll see those clearing skies heading into the afternoon, with cold temperatures on the way later on tonight. highs, low 50s, inland tri-valley, up to the north bay, and dry conditions setting up as we head toward the beginning of the weekend. but sunday could begin to see a chance of some north bay showers and then the rain for all areas, early next woke.

>> and that is your latest weather. coming up, two remarkable men who may inspire you to give back this holiday season the former football players working hard to give santa a run for his money. but first, this is "today" on nbc. santa a run for his money. but first, this is "today" on but first, this is "today" on nbc. the classic hollywood story. we meet the hero, the all-new nissan frontier hero faces seemingly impossible challenge. tension builds... the plot twist the hero prevails in hollywood, this would be the end. but our here, we are just getting started. introducing the all-new nissan frontier.

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♪♪ ♪ we're back 8:35 with today's season of giving. >> all month long, we're spreading cheer with our annual toy drive. scan the qr code you're going to see on your screen to learn more about these great organizations we're highlighting. >> we're spotlighting one kid orlando. >> these two were star football players at the university of central florida. they wanted to make an even but the two bonded off the field, teaming up to help their

kid orlando. >> tell me how this all started. >> i was at a gas station and i saw a lady in her car crying and i found out that she got laid off ten days before christmas. and she had to tell her kids in the backseat that she wasn't going to be able to provide for christmas that year. and they were in the back crying and not being able to do something, made me want to do something. >> in that moment, this spark of an idea came to pass maybe we should start a toy

drive. >> if you want to do it, you got to do it yourself. >> i hear jordan is like the yes-man, the go, go, go, let's get it done. >> he's like, we can do this and that and i'm like, we sure can. that sounds like a great idea. >> how did you do it how did you pull it off? >> how did we do it? we rely heavily on the community. >> whatever you can do for us, we appreciate it. >> using our platform as student athletes, using our platforms as football players to not just be the cool guys on campus and in the community, but actually impact the community. k to loca >> help us out by donating a toy. >> just the support that we've gotten from the fan base has been tremendous. >> their football team had been giving back to local children and it inspired them >> we saw the little eyes light up and we're like, we got to do something like this. >> what's it like when you see the kids receive a toy, receive a gift >> it's like we get a gift most of the kids aren't expecting anything so much joy, so much peace is shown through their eyes

and the end goal of seeing those kids light up. >> they benefitted over 400 children last year, including teenagers. >> we just got to run around with the kids. >> gifting gifts through the boys and girls clubs of central florida. >> we make it a point to get something that we would have wanted as teenagers so they don't feel forgotten. >> you don't go to ucf anymore, and still you come back to help this community why? >> orlando shaped us into men and we want to shape the next generation >> now in its fourth year, anthony is hopeful they will once again make many christmas wishes come true >> when a christmas miracle wants to be a christmas miracle, it's going to be a christmas miracle. >> christmas miracles happen to really good people like you who are doing something so wonderful for the community. ♪ it's beginning to look a lot like christmas ♪

>> thank you so much >> with the help of santa's elves at amazon, the wheels were in motion for a big christmas surprise >> anthony >> santa what's up, santa >> i've heard about you from the "today" show and we have a special surprise for you. >> i'm a little nervous, santa >> okay. >> oh, wow >> we got this one available for you. and this is just the start >> the start >> amazon has gifted your toy fund 500 toys and books so you can spread christmas cheer to those who need it most. >> come here, santa. come get a hug, man. >> thank you merry christmas. >> wow >> that's crazy. >> you work so hard, you deserve it. >> the kids of orlando, you deserve it

>> i'm going to cry. >> anthony was excited to share the moment with jordan who was working in oklahoma. >> look at this, bro all that, all that -- >> i'm about to cry. >> i love you, bro >> two former college football players giving back to their community one kid at a time. >> impact the next generation for a better tomorrow. >> told you you would fall in love with them they're wonderful. they're just full of charm and life and they just have such a heart for people. >> and to keep doing it -- >> it blew me away they don't live in orlando anymore and they come back and do this toy drive. anthony is in virginia, he's heading to film school in california jordan is a football coach at oklahoma but they come back for their christmas toy drive. you can learn more about it by scanning that qr code. they want to say, don't forget about the teenagers. you think of the little kids

that's great give what you can, but don't forget teenagers the teens just don't get anything they don't expect anything. >> i love how he said orlando shaped us into the man we are. >> and he said, santa, bring it in. coming up, the amazing meghan trainor she'll treat us to a festive performance. we'll chat with her. but first, this is "today" on nbc.

♪ i see trees of green ♪ ♪ red roses too ♪ ♪ i see them bloom for me and you ♪ (music) ♪ so i think to myself ♪ ♪ oh what a wonderful world ♪

♪♪ >> announcer ♪ >> announcer: the citi music series on today is proudly presented to you by citi >> and welcome back, everybody we can describe meghan trainor in a ton of ways, grammy winner, tv personality, mom. >> and, of course, a friend. friend of this show, for sure. we've been following her remarkable career from the very

start. >> she was a baby crawling into studio 1a and now she's all grown up she's out with "a very trainor christmas. before she treats us to an exclusive performance, she's joining us live. meghan, first of all, hi and wow. big month for you. you got so many things to celebrate this month not only that you're a mom, but you got an anniversary, a birthday, it's christmas this is the month of meghan. how are you doing? >> this is my month, yeah. month of meghan, i love that we're busy we're booked and blessed i'm happy to be here i miss you so much i wish it was in person. but it's all right yeah, we're happy. we're so happy and we're just living the best life >> is this your first christmas with the little baby >> yes i'm waiting for him to wake up

>> that's lucky. he's sleeping in good baby. >> he's doing good we have all the christmas pjs ready. >> what is little riley into right now? what's up? >> right now, he's finally learned kisses, which is so rewarding and cute he's so sweet. and he also is teething. we're in a tough time right now. >> why don't you describe what you anticipate christmas morning looking like at your house is it just the three of you? i know you have a big tribe. >> we got a big tribe. family eve we do the big family dinner at my house and i'm flying into my cousins and then christmas day -- usually we sleep in. this year we're going to be up with this boy and we all wear christmas pjs and watch christmas movies all day long. >> your wedding anniversary is on your birthday, is that right? >> yes, sir. yes, it is come here. show your hoda >> no way. that's amazing. >> how are you doing >> i'm doing create great. riley is here. >> how is fatherhood for you >> it's the best the most rewarding thing in the

world. >> can you guys recreate that poster behind you. that's amazing that is gorgeous >> now we know what to get darrell for christmas, carson and savannah hoodies. >> yeah, yeah. >> about the album quickly, the deluxe album, there's new tracks on the record, is that right, meghan >> yes we got "rocking around" that i'm performing today "christmas baby please come home." >> you got 2022 is on the horizon. i feel like you checked all the boxes, meghan, for all the things you wanted and dreamt about in your life are there still things like i want to do this or that? >> so much i want to do. i want to, like, write a book about pregnancy for a future me and for future mamas out there and i want to write another album. my favorite number is 22 i have a really good feeling

about this year coming up. i got a lot to do. >> we can't wait we've got some music to hear real quick let's play your song and we'll chat with you on the other side♪ ♪ you're my kind ♪ ♪ you're my kind of present ♪ ♪ you're my kind of present ♪ ♪ you're my angel from heaven ♪ ♪ so go and tell santa don't bring me nothing ♪ ♪ sitting by the fire you ♪ ♪ i know carolling ♪ ♪ don't buy me anything just hands all over me ♪ ♪ i want you only you ♪ ♪ i know that you want me ♪ you♪

♪ you're my kind of present baby i want you ♪ ♪ you're my kind of present ♪ ♪ you're my angel from heaven ♪♪ ♪ the ♪ go and tell santa don't bring me nothing ♪ ♪ my family adores you ♪ ♪ they cooked extra for you ♪ ♪ the party can't start without you ♪ ♪ because you'll stay with me all night ♪ ♪ i know what you should do but it's christmas come through ♪ ♪ baby you don't say maybe ♪ ♪ because i don't care about

your money ♪ ♪ i've been kind of lonely ♪ ♪ i know that you want me ♪ ♪ baby i want you ♪ ♪ you're my kind of present ♪ ♪ you're my angel from heaven ♪ ♪ go and tell santa don't bring me nothing ♪ ♪ baby you don't say maybe ♪ ♪ because i don't care about your money ♪ ♪ i've been kind of lonely and know that you want me ♪ ♪ baby i got you ♪ ♪ you're my angel from even ♪ ♪ go and tell santa don't bring me nothing ♪ my ♪ baby i got you ♪ ♪ you're my angel from heaven ♪ ♪ go and tell santa don't bringu me nothing ♪ ♪ baby i got you ♪ ♪ you're my angel from heaven ♪ ♪ go and tell santa don't bring

me nothing ♪ merry christmas today show, we love you. >> meghan, that was awesome. i love how meghan sings a lot. i love it. >> did you see me the whole time, i was studying it. >> by the way, there's so much to delight in your life. since riley is sleeping now, we decided people to enjoy him. let's take a listen. [ laughter ] >> i've been doing this for a half-hour. >> what is that? >> it's a trash bag. that's what made him laugh that day. >> that would be my ring tone. i can't let you go without just applauding you i got to bust out a little mental health here we're both proud card-carrying members of the anxiety society that "people" article that you did, it hasn't always been that

easy it's the holidays, a tough time of the year for a lot of people. give us words of encouragement for people who are struggling it right now. >> you have no idea how much you saved me i bring up what you did on the "today" show when you talked about it i literally said that to my mom and she understood somehow you said it perfectly. it's hard when they don't -- they haven't been through what you're feeling and i didn't know it could take over you physically like that and when you explained it, that's what i'm going through. >> the panic attacks >> yes so i saw how that helped me so much and i was like, okay, what if i talk about it and my fans can send that to their parents or loved ones. thank you for talking about it i want to talk about it as much as i can to let people know they're not alone. >> that was important.

i wanted to say thank you for talking about it meghan deals with it, carson deals with it and it's not a big deal you ripped that stigma right away happy holidays to your family. amazing. and the baby is still sleeping incredible. >> he's out. >> merry christmas, meghan have fun soak it in. >> we love you. >> love you. >> what are you cooking for the family >> my mama is cooking. i don't cook yet i still do dishes. >> meghan is going to come back and visit with us again on the fourth hour. >> one of those things you said, carson, i still remember it to this day, you said although you feel the panic, you also feel sunrises and sunsets. >> yeah, yeah. >> music, like others don't. chills up and down your body. >> i have fight or flight when my brain thinks there's not an imminent and it works in reverse. when i see a sunset, hear music, i get moved the same way there is a positive side to that coin.

>> i love that >> the deluxe version of "a very trainor christmas" is out now. we are back in a moment. first, this is "today" on nbc. good morning

there's this feeling we chase... like someone upped the brightness on the entire world. like your body is super-charged, but your mind is super calm. it feels like 20/20 vision for your whole being. and we'll chase this feeling, until we can feel it... one. more. time. feel the hydrow high.

coming up, guys, on the fourth hour of a vacation is up for grabs. one lucky viewer get a vacation. we're giving away vacations. >> first on the third hour, jobs that you can do yourself to prepare your home for the winter. we're going to show you how to winterize. >> and as a surprise, craig is going to come to your house and do them. >> absolutely not going to happen. >> look who's on the phone. >> you want to say bye? >>

good morning. 8:56. i'm marcus washington. elizabeth holmes closely watched criminal proud trial enters its final stage. closing arguments begin today for the former theranos ceo. prosecutors will say they knew her blood testing technology did not work and took money from

investors while putting patients' health and lives in jeopardy. holmes says that the results were based on information she believed to be true at the time. kris sanchez keeping an eye on the courtroom. she'll have a live update during our midday newscast. more on our home page. and a chance to dry out after a night of wet weather, but a new storm should arrive to the bay area by the end of the weekend. link to those ki details on wha may be another atmospheric river. hey, angie! you forgot your phone! hey lou! angie forget her phone again?

yep. lou! mom said she could save up to $400 on her wireless bill by switching to xfinity internet and mobile. with nationwide 5g at no extra cost. and lou! on the most reliable network, lou! smart kid, bill. oh oh so true. and now, the moon christmas special. gotta go! take the savings challenge at xfinitymobile.com/mysavings or visit an xfinity store to learn how our switch squad makes switching fast and easy this holiday season. the countdown to christmas is on. a live look inside one of the bay area's busiest distribution sites as the race to deliver continues. >> plus, we're tracking your weekend forecast. everything you need to know right here on "today in the bay," tomorrow morning, 4:30 to 7:00.

this morning on "california live," malu is stirring up some seasonal spirits and vick's got tips to keep your pets safe for the holidays. that's this morning at 11:30 on "california live."

♪♪ this morning on this morning on the third hour of the day, covid on the rise new warnings, cancellations and concerns what we need to know to stay safe later, a take it off today transformation how this mother ofight discovered a passion for running that changed her life. >> and the cold, hard truth, winter is coming how to prepare our homes inside an out and jobs we can do for ourselves. all coming up today, thursday, december 16, 2021.