thank you. we'll have local updates throughout the morning. you can always get realtime news, weather, and traffic on the app. good morning. deep freeze. nearly 65 million people waking up to bitter cold temperatures across the country. adding to the misery in pennsylvania record-shattering snow more than 5 feet in 48 hours. >> it's a little ridiculous. but i keep pecking away at it. >> a snow emergency declared with more on the way. dylan has the latest forecast on the storms and those frigid temps. trump and taxes. the new law causing turmoil for homeowners before it takes effect. why millions are asking if they should pay nexttaxes, what you need to know. a packed jet turns around on

a flight to tokyo. the reason? an unauthorized person gets onboard. >> reporting live from l.a.x. those stories, plus the prince and the president. prince harry interviews barack obama and tees him up with a good-natured question about fiancee meghan markle. >> suits? >> good answer. why apple may have missed the mark with the iphone x. and the megamillions jackpot soars to $300 million. and tonight's powerball drawing is higher than that. two hf lottery fever sweeps the nation today, december 27th, 2017. >> from nbc news, this is "today," live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. good morning. welcome to "today." thanks for joining us on this wednesday morning. savannah and hoda have the

morning off. >> some perspective year. this time last year in new york city 60 degrees. we will be lucky if we break 30 today. >> it is freezing outside this morning. we still have a bunch of folks out on the plaza. they don't mind. >> no. >> that bone-chilling cold is our top story. it's felt from the rockies to the northeast. if you like snow erie pennsylvania, is dealing with historic amounts of it. we'll begin in snowy erie. ron allen is there. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, sheinelle. it is incredible. it's relentless. the snow is coming down. we got a few more inches overnight. it's mind-boggling the amount of snow. about five feet or so in most places around erie. authorities are encouraging people to stay off of the roads so the plows can do their work. misery in erie and across the great lakes region. overnight, power restored in cleveland, after a fire at a

substation left 40,000 people in the dark for hours in the frigid cold. as an arctic blast sweeps the country, from new england. to seattle. the most wonderful time of year is bringing along a big chill. in utah a sheriff's officer now a hereohero after saving an 8-year-old boy who had fallen through the ice while chasing his dog. >> i started to use my hands and my fist to pound the ice. once i saw his face, i pulled him out of the water and i called out to the paramedics letting them know i'm coming in i've got him. >> reporter: meanwhile, in erie pennsylvania record-breaking snow shocked even the locals. >> i'm used to snow. but not this much at once. this is inspain. >> reporter: matthew says he has been working all day to clear the snow. >> i've been fighting it all day. >> reporter: 63 inches to fall by tuesday evening.

more than 6,000 u.s. flights delayed tuesday alone, stranding travelers like deirdre walsh. >> i won't be able to get home until friday night, thursday morning. >> reporter: her christmas dinner food from the vending machine. >> i want a salad. >> reporter: desperation at airports and on the roads. >> i wouldn't go out in this stuff. >> reporter: still, some people did, in near whiteout conditions. others hopped on a sled or tried to dig out their cars. >> it's a little ridiculous. i keep pecking away at it. >> reporter: in chicago, temperatures plunged to minus 3 degrees tuesday, a bone-chilling surprise despite the windy city's reputation. >> we were a little shocked by the coldness of chicago. >> yeah. it's bad. >> reporter: so cold, you could see steam rise off lake michigan and the chicago river. but wherever you are in the u.s. it's bound to be an icy end to 2017. and it's not entirely over here in erie. forecasters are calling for a

few more inches of accumulation. that could put the city at audio record. 100 inches of snow in the month of december, which is about the amount they average for the entire winter season since christmas eve. guys back to you. >> goodness. ron, thank you. dylan is in for al this morning. we're like it's so cold. and dylan will say, it is december. is this record-breaking? is this historic what we're seeing? >> not here. but back through nebraska up into michigan it's record-breaking cold. it's really cold to the skin. if you have exposed skin if you're not wearing gloves that wind sucks away your heat. it makes it that much colder. let's look at where it is coldest this morning. that's back through the northern plains and the upper midwest. 63 million people are under windchill advisories. and two-thirds of the country are below freezing this morning. it's all about the windchill. it feels like 19 below in chicago. jamestown, north dakota feels

like 20 below. omaha feels likes 6 below. that's the air temperature, too. it's cold out there. in the northeast, we have temperatures mostly in the teens, feeling like we're in the single digits. as we go into tomorrow morning, it will feel like 4 below in indianapolis. 10 below in minneapolis. and on friday morning, the cold continues to push eastward. watertown, will be 18 below friday morning. boston 10 below. new york city it will feel like 5 degrees. those cold winds across the great lakes, is why we've seen exceptional amounts of snow in erie. the winds will shift a bit and that will force that snow to shift. it will push farther to the south and west. we're looking for six to ten inches in the lake-effect bands of snow on top of record-breaking snow. erie, pennsylvania, was my first market in tv. i've never seen anything like that before. on this busy wednesday morning, president trump is

touting the new tax law. with a few days left before it goes into effect, there's a lot of confusion for millions of taxpayers. nbc's chief white house correspondent, hallie jackson, has the latest. hallie good morning. >> reporter: hey, sheinelle, good morning to you. the president himself seems to be feeling very optimistic about his new tax law. he's been tweeting about that while he's down here in florida. but on this holiday week around the country, you've got a lot of folks making a mad dash to try to figure out what it means for them. this morning, it's not holiday returns creating these lines. >> we're inundated with a lot of people. >> reporter: but tax returns. with the new republican tax law leaving some folks scrambling should i pay next year's property taxes now? the new law limits property tax deduction for just $10,000 in 2018. but homeowners in high-tax cities and states who prepay that bill could save money. others night not. it depends on your situation.

that means accountants are taking more than their fair shares of phone calls. >> tax season started a month early. >> reporter: ask a professional what the changes mean for you. president trump is hoping they mean good things for the stock market. as he tweeted, a great year for companies and jobs as he talks taxes on his working holiday in south florida. back in washington, his treasury department is working on something else putting pressure on north korea. slapping new sanctions on the rogue regime going after two senior officials, described by the u.s. as leaders of pyongyang's ballistic missile program. it comes as north korea unleashes another round of tough talk, calling the united nations sanctions against it an act of war. as a new south korean report says the north will push for diplomatic discussions with the u.s. in the new year. while the president's been quiet on twitter about kim jong-un this holiday break, he's been anything but silent when it comes to the fbi, attacking the

agency's deputy director. now, the association that helps families in need says it's seen 2,000 people donate $140,000 in recent weeks. a spokesman tells nbc, that's a significant uptick this month. a month when the agency has come under fire from are the president and lawmakers. you think that's appropriate for the president? >> i'm concerned that the d.o.j. and fbi, if you want to call it deep state or what are off the rails. >> reporter: the acting cia director is disturbed by that talk. >> it's disgraceful. it's equally disgraceful that no republicans are saying stop it. >> reporter: from a policy perspective, there's plenty on the president's plate when he gets back to washington in the new year. probably starting with infrastructure infrastructure. expect this to be a big push. a top adviser to the white house, says the president will huddle with top republicans in d.c. in that first week in january to see what they want to

tackle first. >> hallie thank you. now, to the bizarre ordeal for passengers on a flight from los angeles to tokyo. four hours into the journey, the jet suddenly turned around and headed back to l.a.x. gadi schwartz has that story for us. gadi good morning. >> reporter: good morning, craig. fortunately, there was no security threat. no safety threat involved. but it looked like the rogue mystery passenger made it from the check-in through the gate on to the wrong plane and almost across the ocean. this morning, frustrated fliers are looking for answers as to why a nippon airways flight made a u-turn returning to l.a.x. after four hours because of an unauthorized person onboard. the bizarre situation causing confusion among passengers. >> chrissy teigen here reporting live. >> reporter: including model chrissy teigen. as news of the diversion, tegan onboard the plane, headed on vacation with her husband,

singer john legend live tweeted to her 9.2 million followers about the incident as it unfolded. a flying first for me. four hours into an 11-hour flight. and we're turning around because we have a passenger that isn't supposed to be on this plane. the passenger had managed to board the plane with a united airlines ticket. they say the person had a united picket. we're on ana. and tegan added, the boarding pass scanner makes noses that go nowhere. ana made no mention of a ticket from united airlines, but explaining the incident this way -- during the flight the cabin crew became aware that one of the passengers boarded the incorrect flight and notified the pilot. the pilot in command decided to return to the originateingeing operate, where the passenger disembarked. why did we all get punished for this one person's mistake?

why not land in tokyo and send the other person back. l.a.x. to l.a.x. complete. flight time 8 hours and 20 minutes. from a new flight chrissy teigen tweeted, please don't be the same menu. ana had to determine how the passenger boarded the flight. but tegan is on the case. >> we should put her on the payroll here. gadi thank you. now, to a disturbing story out of ohio. four teenagers charged with murder after a man was struck with a sandbag they allegedly threw from a highway overpass. ron mott has that this morning. >> reporter: good morning. police say they saw four boys leaving the overpass. and authority says this was no accident. >> oh my god. >> reporter: in the dark of night, highway horror. >> i'm on 75 south. i was driving my car and i went underneath the road.

i don't know what happened. my friend -- i don't know what happened. he's not moving. >> reporter: a driver frantic about the passenger after the windshield cracked. >> something just hit my car. he is not moving. >> reporter: a sandbag flying in without warning from this i-75 overpass in toledo ohio last week killing 22-year-old father marquise byrd of suburban detroit. >> there were different objects thrown. i'm not positive. i believe there was some rocks also that were thrown and the sandbag. >> reporter: this morning, four teens, 13-year-olds old and 14 years old, are charged with byrd's death. he died three days later. >> he had a smile on his face. he had a gentle spirit. and to be taken in a violent, horrific way, it's contrary to how he lived. >> reporter: that same interstate further north in michigan was the site of another attack. a group of five teens allegedly caused the death of a 32-year-old man in october, by

throwing rocks from an overpass in flint. they've been charged with second-degree murder and could face life in prison if convicted. they've pleaded not guilty. in both cases, most of the accused, too young to drive. but old enough to create deadly danger on the road. this most recent tragedy in toledo usually there is a high fence across the overpass. it had been removed for a construction project. officials believe that's where they believe the four young men picked up that sandbag. >> ron, thank you. three major u.s. cities are suing the department of defense saying the military failed to properly used the national background check system for guns. new york city san francisco, and philadelphia filed that lawsuit on tuesday. the cities argue the d.o.d. failed to report significantcigsignificant numbers of convictions of national background checks for gun sales. that failure allowed disgraced former air force member devon

kelly to shoot people in a texas church last month. the department is working with military leaders to refine their policies. now, to rare worries about apple that are rattling wall street. despite a jump in holiday sales this year it appears that the tech giant's iphone x may have missed the mark. this morning on the heels of the holiday shopping season apple may have fallen from the christmas tree. the tech giant suffering a post-christmas slump. the stock ending down on tuesday, after a luke-warm response to what should be the company's crown jewel, the iphone x. when announcing the flagship device -- >> it is the biggest leap forward since the original iphone. >> reporter: tim cook heaped praise on the product. but new overseas reports, says the company is lowering its first quarter sales forecast. apple has declined nbc news' request for comment. but the cause of the waning

interest the $999 price tag, the sticker shock for die-hard iphone users. >> i'm just comparing. >> reporter: some are seeking out older models like the 7 and 8, saying the tech advances don't justify spending a grand. >> sometimes the price tag has outrun what we're getting. >> reporter: the problem may go deeper than just the high price, with some pointing to apple fatigue. some unimpressed with the screen size the loss of headphone jax and facial recognition technology. just because apple is lowering projections doesn't mean that iphone x sales aren't strong. other sales were slowed during christmas. and apple is on pace to become the first trillion dollar company. as they admitted to slowing down iphones as they age, now facing a lawsuit, they said they were trying to improve customer

experiences and protect the phones. hoping to prevent shutdowns from cold conditions and the bat rays s ry over time. they slowed down phones for new models like the iphone x. overall sales of appliances over the holiday season showed the strongest growth in ten years. good news and bad news for anyone holding a megamillions lottery ticket. no one won the big prize last night. that means the jackpot is skyrocketing even higher. $306 million up for grabs for friday night's drawing. the story doesn't end there. it gets better. the powerball jackpot, even higher. tonight's drawing, worth $337 million. together that's $643 million in combined prize money. by the way, don't forget to check your tickets. just because you did not win the jackpot doesn't mean you didn't win a smaller prize. >> $500,000 would do.

>> i won 2 bucks in massachusetts. now, i have to go up to massachusetts. it's hardly worth it. >> that drive to massachusetts, by the way, with this weather. >> actually the forecast for the northeast is cold but it's dry. we aren't going to see any snow except back toward the great lakes with the lake-effect snow will continue for another day. it is frigid in the northern plains. temperatures breaking records from nebraska to michigan. and it's wet down south. we have heavy rain likely at carmax, we'll buy your car even if you don't buy one from us. because maybe you're already buying a car somewhere e lse. or maybe you want to shop arou nd. or, maybe you don't want to drive a car at all anymore ... like, maybe you want to ride a camel into the des sert and take a deep hard look with in. just figure some stuff out for awhi le. that's c ool. whatever your plans for buying a c ar carmax is the place to sell your c ar. okay, let's do this, tina, tchick-tch ick. here we go tchick-tch ick. i believe in ya ti na. c'mon now. ah, we can just hang out h ere.

a good wednesday to you. i'm meteorologist steve sosna here with the updated forecast. cold weather continues today, tomorrow, and through the finish of the week in philadelphia. your chance of snow coming up on saturday. through the suburbs, temperatures in the lower to middle 20s tomorrow and friday. snow chance on saturday. we'll see if it accumulates. friday you may see a snow storm in the lehigh valley. better chance on saturday. right down to the jersey and delaware beaches sunshine on thursday and friday, chance of snow on saturday. make it a great day, everybody. >> and that's your latest forecast. >> dylan, thank you. coming up prince harry goes one-on-one with former president obama. what had them joking about the next royal wedding. and do you have working smoke detectors in your home? are you sure? the dangerous discoveries jeff rossen made when he went door-to-door surprising families. first, this is "today" on nbc.

michael: i'm thankful that i'm alive and have a second chance. james: i'm thankful for the help and the opportunity that i received. darlene: i'm thankful to be able to help people in crisis. vanessa: i'm thankful that addiction is treatable, and that help is available. christie: new jersey is experiencing a heroin epidemic fueled by opioid painkillers. but if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction i want you to know: we are here for you. this holiday season, choose help. call 844 reach nj or visit reachnj.gov.

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good morning, i'm tracy davidson. just about 7:30. let's look outside. talk with first alert meteorologist steve sosna. he's got your most accurate neighborhood weather forecast. and it is bitter cold. steve? >> that's right. we are freezing on this wednesday morning. there's a live look from the mellon camera at the new comcast center. as we take a look outside, temperatures are bitter. it feels like 14 in philadelphia. 13 at the airport. the northeast, 10 in pottstown. 7 in allentown. temperatures going up to the mid to upper 20s. the next chance of snow would be on saturday. we have the info. on the nbc10 app. pamela osborne has first alert traffic with a check of the roads. what are you seeing? >> there's a pretty serious accident now on 295 at sloan accident. there's an investigation taking place because of it. you see the brake lights as traffic is completely stopped.

10 or 15-minute delays. i wouldn't be surprised if it was even longer than that. the accident itself is actually backing up traffic to route 33. so something to be aware of there if you're headed this way. you may want to try to get around that. in philadelphia police are looking for the driver involved in a deadly hit and run. happened along city avenue in overbrook last night. officers found the man in the street. an emblem from a lexus was next to him. witnesses saw a red car speed from the scene. the victim died at the hospital. to delaware. firefighters in wilmington spent the early morning hours battling a house fire and the bitter cold. no one was hurt. it's unclear if anyone lives in the house. we'll have another update in 25 minutes. join us every weekday morning from 4:00 a.

we are back. it's 7:30 on this wednesday morning, the 27th of december 2017. with a shot of the world's most famous christmas tree. if you're in the area and coming to see the rockefeller christmas tree you should bundle up. >> that arctic blast is where we start our check of today's top stories. >> bone-chilling. >> i'm used to snow but not this much at once. this is insane. >> a winter weather nightmare descends on much of the nation as record-breaking snow slams the northeast, while 63 million people wake up to frigid cold temperatures. sadao william w. graham, air to washington post" fortune, takes his own life as hisatfter the debut of "the post," the film of the paper over n the '70 o remain in place. >>ar-eocer. several cars collide on a distract

ex rocket. and holiday >> the best christmas present i can imagine having. for decades, two men in tmasber 27th, birthday. we kshow. >> s let'scold. it will be>> i we get intoday, monday ityet. brutally co weekend, where there's a possibility that some of the e somewhat of a storm. it's not that aggressivew.heads-up tcast. and scattered snowshowers are possible. most of the models keep the majority of the storm offshore. most of the snow showers will be light on saturday. we're looking at afternoon highs in the singlere factor in northern minnesota. temps in single digits ac ss the continues.heascoast. updated day, tomorrow, sarday subue s, temperatu tomorrow friday. still a chancefs. friday, you may see a snoon saturday.n tpo the jsey thursday and friday chance ofow on saturday. make it a great verybody. >> that's your latest forecast. now about smoke. >> if a fire broke out in yourme w

so jeff rost out withfe-savin tips. >> did you know most house fires ppys? and believe it or not, 5 million home don't have a smoke alarm at all. and for those that do many are they in the right room? how old are they? do you know? so many of us are simple vulne morning, i'm about to show you the three simple things you can do in your home right now keepsafe hi th jeff rossen from nbc news the>>orte-checkg. you thought you had a working smoke alarm and you >>roe of five people a house fire didn't havearm. and during the holidays, you can be greaterrisk christmas tree fires like this one heaters. is your home prepared? to fin theutnrlando fir force. and we'reff from t ndheopinle's smoke alarin? ri >> we're going to push the >> it'sat is here to get them to check it for me. >> reporter: t residential fires. no smoke orter: you're supposed to have one hin one. f installing two new alarms for peggy.

we check house -- after house, finding problems in nearly all of them. there's no battery in h ttery. i probably used it somewhere else. >> repor house, he thinks his detector because when he tests it itbeeps. >> when that alarm sounds it tells me two things. your battery is good and your alarm works. >> reporter: but it doesn't smoke. >> your detector was manufactured in 2002. that's 15 years e to change them out every tey? yrs. >> it can no longer see smoke. >> reporter: no problem. there's an candle test. light a and blow place your and it should go off. it's not going off. >> that would tell peba this bui sensor. >> i had mind. >> i just put a battery in it a chirping. >> reporter: we helped. sounding the alarm so your awesome. thank you so much. fire department. they installed a that needed them. and here's another tip. forgetting when tonge the battery, you can buy lithium batteries at any big box store for $5 to $10. they work for ten years. back to you guys. >> that was very helpful.

>> literally some life-saving information. that candle test, i never thought about that. >> me, ether. what you need to think about before making the dreaded holiday returns. on "pop start," big news about two of the most beloved'90s. th pamper inging 2.0. we'll take you insid. first, when harry interviewed barry. the conversation between the prince and the president that has the world talking this mornin

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and its release comes as meghan markle mania hits britain and the world. capitol hill cobiella has more. good morning. >> reporter: prince harry taking over the air waves here and grilling the former president about everything from his final day in office to believe it or not, boxers or briefs. prince harry, back at work as guest editor for britain's flagship morning radio show with a presidential interview. >> when you wake up now as barack obama, former president of the united states what's different about your mornings? >> i wake up later. and you know it's wonderful to be able to control your day in a way that you just can't as president. >> reporter: the prince and the president spent time together at the invictus games in toronto in september. >> can i take you back to january 2017.

you're in marine one, the presidential hospitalelicopter, flying over washington. you sat through the inauguration with your game face on, not giving much emotion, as we all saw. what's going through your mind? >> the first thing that went through my mind is sitting across from michelle how thankful i was that she had been my partner through that whole process. overall, there was a serenity there, more than i would have expected. >> reporter: the two talked about createing the next generation of leaders, the power of social media and as the prince put it the serious questions. >> boxers or briefs? >> we don't answer those questions. >> lebron james or michael jorden? >> jordan. i love lebron. but i'm a chicago guy. >> aretha franklin or tina turn center. >> aretha is the best. >> harry or william? >> william right now. >> reporter: and sliding in a sneaky question about the show starring his bride-to-be.

>> "suits" or "the good wife." >> "suits" obviously. >> good answer. >> reporter: meghan markle winning hearts in britain. "hello" magazine calls it the markel sparkle, saying that she will boost the economy through tourism and memorabilia. engagement mugs sold out in a day. more on order. in a "hello" magazine poll 60% say harry and meghan are the new power couple. this morning, the question for the prince is the former president on the guest list for the biggest wedding of 2018? >> i don't have that. we haven't put the invites -- all the guest lists together yet. who knows whether you're going to be invited or not. wouldn't want to ruin that surprise. >> reporter: and megan's first royal christmas? >> she's done an amazing job. it's the family she's never had.

>> reporter: and prince harry said the family loved having meghan there. and they're looking forward to 2018. guys it's going to be a very busy royal year next year. >> kelly, any word on whether president obama is going to attend the wedding at kensington? >> whether he's going to attend the wedding? >> yeah. >> that's the best answer ever. >> kelly cobiella. kelly, thank you. >> you have to wait to see. >> i would say yes. don't you think so? >> i think he might be daly is here. he's back in the orange room today. >> i got my ticket ready for the wedding. don't worry about it. coming up next in the orange room why superheros like batman and the flash, may save the (avo) help control cravings and lose weight with contrave. it's fda-approved to help adults who are overweight or struggle with obesity lose weight and keep it off. contrave is believed to work on two areas of the brain: your hunger center...

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money. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. ♪ the breaking news is on the road in mercy county. first alert traffic reporter pamela osborne is watching anow. pam, tell us more. >> we're talking about the northbound lanes of 295 right between sloan avenue and route 1. that area is closed. i'm actually going to step out of the way so you can look at the traffic piling up. there was an accident involving several vehicles on 295. all lanes are closed right now as police are there doing an accident investigation. if you look up in the corner of the screen you see it looks like another emergency vehicle

trying to make their way to that accident. delays of up to 27 minutes. right now traffic is only getting by on the right shoulder. if you're stuck in this or if you know someone that's stuck in it, basically what you're going to have to do is get detoured from that point. if you're trying to avoid this altogether, your alternates are route 206 or 29. t. thank you. we are also dealing with the bitter cold this morning. fisteve forycastpartaking in the cold this morning. this is a the kimmel center camera. everybody bundled up as we have temperatures that are frigid. the feels-like in philadelphia 13 degrees. 8 in reading. 11 below in mt. pocono. serious stuff as you go through the day. expect temperatures that will hit the mid 20s but feel like the teens ut theday. c c the roosevelt boulevard this morning. a car flipped over caught fire and came to rest against the wall. one person is hurt. tonight's powerball jackpot is up to$337 million. that makes the cash value about taxes,

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michael: i'm thankful that i'm alive and have a second chance. james: i'm thankful for the help and the opportunity that i received. darlene: i'm thankful to be able to help peoplenkful that addiction is treatable, and that help is available. christie: new jersey is experiencing a heroin epidemic fueled by opioid painkillers. but if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction i want you to know: we are here for you. this holiday season, choose help. call 844 reach nj or visit reachnj.gov.

it's 8:00 on "today." coming up winter weather nightmare. >> i'm used to snow. but not this much at once. this is insane. >> residents in pennsylvania digging out from a record-breaking snowfall as millions wake up to arctic blast. bone-chilling temperatures coast-to-coast. how long will it lost? plus hassle-free returns. fit and >> it's time to decide what you nk of that sweater from grandma. if you're one of the millions planning a return we have the tips you need to make it as as possible. and fido pampered. >> wow. this is nicer than my bedroom. >> from blowouts to manicures, massages to steak dinners.

family pet the royal treatment. an inside look at the dog y esday, december 27th, 2017. ♪ graduated into pharmacy school. what's left? >> to be on "today" sh >> who a hi to? >> bethesda, massachusetts. >> big birthdays on the plaza. >> i'm 65. >> it took ten years. but your plaza. >> w excited morning? >> birthd you to get here? >> it too1,300 miles from warm florida to get here. >> good morning.me back t alongsid melvin. savannah and hoda are off this >> the bigry continues >> let's get right to your news 8:00. bi in me windchill advisories or warnings. ron allen is in erie pennsylvania where h rdhatterg ron, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, sheinelle.the temperature has soared up to down. we thought it stopped ea squalls christmas reaming careful what you wish for. on a more serious note authorities are urging people to stay roads so the plows can do their job.

the good news, of course is that schools are the holiday. they called in the national guard here. helping law enforcement keep order. this is not over. the forecast is saying we ge few could pu of snow in the month of december which is what they usually get for the entire we've guys careful. ron, thank you. tracking the snow and the bitter cold talking ab >> good morning, craig. the reason we hav becold. theut t5 freeze up lake-effect snow is still a good possibility. we have 63 million people under windchilldvisories this morning. that's a lot of peo dealing with below chicago, it fee below right now. feels like 5 new yorkcity 11.he4ayork 14 in d.c. will feel like 11 degrees. we're going to see this cold air stick around through at least monday of next week. so starting off the new year with the cold. i mention that cold air crossing over the great lakes. the wind is starting to shift a bit, start toddit six l tthdyn. orsul weapons prom of a north korea and fully k sanctions against as inest response to ballistics

is capable ofing the u.s. mainland. from los angeles to tokyo did a u-turn four hours to the of the passengersn a.n.a. flight attendants scovered an unauthorized person was n procedure. the pilot decided to return to l.a.x. model chrissy teigen was among those she documented the eight-hour flight to nowhere. a.n.a. says it's researching the situation to figure out how the passenger boarded the flight. we usually have "hoda's morning boost" at this time of the morning. we couldn't resist sharing this one. a rookie baseball player for the arizona diamondbacks gave his parents a christmas gift that brought them to tears. he received a $5,000 bonus. >> $5 million. >> that's million. he decided to pay off his pa them with the gift two days ago. >> i want our family -- i want our family home to be yours. >> smith said to his parents, quote, thank you for everyor me.

our home is finally all yours. merry christmas. that's sweet. that's what a lot of people dream to do to pay off their nts' mortgage. >> i gave my mom a bracelet. much more ahead, including what you can do to limit your stress returning holiday gifts. thanks but no thanks. why resta longer accept cash. massa and blowouts not for you. but for your dog. are you planning the new year's eve party? the ultimate s i love you, couch. you give us comfort. and we give you bare feet, backsweat, and gordo's... everything. i love you, but sometimes you stink. soft surfaces trap odors. febreze fabric refresher cleans them away for good. because the things you love the most can stink. and plug in febreze to keep your whole room fresh for up to 45 days. breathe happy with febreze.

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♪ back at 8:10. according to cnbc, it's ees's estimated that 90$90 billion worth of gifts will be returned to the stores this holiday season. >> catie beck has some tips if you want to take things back to the store. >> reporter: last year nearly two-thirds of americans returned gifts, despite the headache. this year there could be even more. for most of us it's a huge hassle. >> returns can be a nightmare. >> reporter: making that dreaded

trip to the hall to return unwanted gifts. >> i would rather go online. >> reporter: if you don't, you may spend hours waiting in line. >> it is busy. >> reporter: wrong style? >> it didn't fit and i didn't like it. >> reporter: or wrong size? >> my daughter really liked the shoes but they weren't her size. i'm trying to get a bigger size. >> reporter: it's a massive crowd on the hunt for replacements or refunds. >> they wouldn't give me a refund. they only gave me store credit. >> reporter: every december half of americans get a gift they don't want. and the national retail federation says 13% of all purchases are returned. >> they were too small for me. he didn't like some of them. we're here. >> reporter: overall, this season was a win for retailers, with unemployment down and consumer confidence up. holiday sales hit their best pace since 2011. up nearly 5% this season. >> got a job spend. >> reporter: online shopping get a 24% bump. even big box scores feeling a

surge. >> you don't have the gift receipt or anything? >> reporter: more gifts mean more returns. here's how to shrink your stress when taking things back. always have your receipts. understand the return policy before you buy. watch the return clock. it starts the minute the item is bought. so know when your time runs out. keep the original packaging and put everything back as best you can. and ask about return fees when you buy shipping and restocking fees can add up. retail experts say when it comes to return ts,he sooner the better. the best time is this week when you'ost choice and most ntdiscs.ou stores happy to re and trying maybe, another one on. maybe i like it. >> reporter: retailers, hoping that happens, and that buyers return again. retailers see returns as an opportunity to get you back into their store and potentially spend even more. that thinking works. this week between christmas and new year's consumers are

expected to spend an additional $69 billion. that's 11% of this season's total. guys? >> catie beck with some useful tips down in atlanta. thanks. now, for what's "trending" today. let's look at what's trending on twitter. l.a.x. to l.a.x. and best part of 2017 for me. an article in "the new york times" grabbed our attention. it brings up the debate whether cash should be phased out. the article sites how many restaurant chains are making the jump to c protects the store from theft. the cons are, if the card machines go down you're out of luck. and not everyone has access to a credit or debit card. here's the question this morning -- do you still use cash or carry cash on you? >> yeah. >> yes. >> really? >> this is like making planes go autopilot all of a sudden not having humans fly them. you have to have cash. especially if you've worked in the service industry you have

to tip people in cash. you have to have cash on you. we had to have an emergency $20 with us at all times. >> it would burn a hole in my single my wallet. >> that drives me crazy. my wife never has cash on her. >> i go to the coffee shop. and i walked in and gave her a $20. and she looked at it like it was foreign money. and she said we don't take that here. 20s? no. we don't take cash. and i becameperturbed. >> i and that's all i hepizza, chicken tenders and fries. i couldn't pay. it was their machine, not mine. >> i'mold. ifne cormetho >>essstandp probablyown thievery. ph >> mad at me. >> can iuc 62% say they carry cash on >> goo er. >> i thought you >> with the m it. >> i can't remember the last time i had cno fd twe write nt today.opck itarooks rks. sony pictures is looking to bring back the former series "mad about you." the revival would involve paul

reiser and helen hunt reprising their roles. and it would pick up in present paul ajamie's daughter heads to college. the original series ran for vese paul reiser was here. interested in a rerival. he said, for years, i said no. now, with my kids out of the house, it's like starting over. maybe there's a story there. we'll have to wait and see what happens. first, selena gomez, the season of giving right c that's w did for her cousin. gomez went wedding dress shopping with her doescousin who is a bride-to-be, sharing this videoned the video. when your maid of honor makes your dream dress a reality and surprisesus w with it yi go said y dress. they with champagne. >> they sent you a text message while you were a telliak g of revivals. some promos for the reboot of

"roseanne" have been released. roseanne was ready to mock the finale of the series when goodman's character died of a heart attack. >> how is the basketball game? >> i think the bulls of would have been in control of you can't the dan. >> we get to hear that roseanne cackle at the word o de set for 2018. you like the reboots? "mad"roseanne."en commodities. hyiphoy. was, though. you can watch the video, you'll know what i mean. >> okay. >> hey. >> she this perfume. >> yeah. thinks it's perfume. eventually realizing that was aiphone. i think that's the x right mighte. have a hard time oerptding ingoperating the iphone. >> she thought it was perfume. >> the segment was great either way. >> that's what moms do.

perfume, thank you. dylan is standing by with another check. what are we looking at here? >> yes. we're going to see some cold temperatures across most of the about two-thirds of the country are dealing with temperatures below freezing. the cold temps extending down into texas and down along the gulf coast. 40s for highs today down near georgia and into mississippi and alabama, which is good because it's raining down t don't want to deal with icy situations. we're looking at temperatures highs to stay in the teens, below zero for parts of the upper midwest. that arctic express continues across the morn plain snorthern plains and the regular plains. in the southeast, temperatures are below average. and the lake-effect sw will winond a good wednesday to you. continues today, tomorrow and right through the finish of the week in the ha snow up ay. mperure lmid 20s tomorrow and chan6@ce on a now on satu make it a great day, everybody. >> "best of today" istoday" is brought

t, the best or nothing. to more of our special series "best of today," as we look back at the stories we'll 17.. to hear about anyone getting a cancer diagnosis. when i got a call a me it sent me for quite every dayrence wner of a funeral home in spartanburg, south carolina. it's aas at thi)÷e's theurestor. >> our schedule and pray nownti r ivl been with stage cancer. et y drng n- n stuff. i t eny tber, caer aorspm . in g of the ime abdomen? >>orter: h d rise and may experts can't figure out why. they developed tes develop genetic markers in some cases. but lawrence had none of the markers. he was told to family that means we recommend that relatives of patients with colon canoscopy done ten years before the age of onset. to i'm ho37. 50. for higher risk groups it's 45. no help to lawrence and our family including two

chilchildren, ed a of death. how often do you think about >> every day. i but hisar daddy.t thatittle boy like where is my dad and just think, you know he doesn't know what we're dealing with. >> reporter: their lifese ising to or thehere rultsnst latest nd >> o of goal ise' >> reporter: the doctor sure ri cutting it back until it juhtyou.g cancerit fthmuppome. >> family and his faith s god's grace. months y.folks,dv their>" 3 aour >> breaking ne t is a na!mmeenm go stendrer the bus or the mor lle ain,ed by opille.ntou to knthv. ch

♪ ut 20 degrees here on the plaza. >> oh my goodness. >> it feels even socrowd. >> they have a lot of energy right now. >> i come out here at 6:30 in the morning to talk to the crowd. and everyone is still out here that i saw this morning. i give them a lot of credit. >> how about this? in honor of it being 20 degrees, we're going to honor a woman who has been watching the linda? hi linda. you've been watching the show

for 20 years? >> every day, including weekends. >> we appreciate that as well don't we? tell me you have your daughter here rachel? this is a giftare. you put some cocoa in and take a sip. >> great to meet you. >> thank you. nice to meet you, too. thank you for coming. >> i feel like she's been watching for 20 years, we should give them two mugs. let's round up another mug. >> she should co-host tomorrow. another mug. >> another one is on its way. >> good. >> that seems fair. coming up how often do you treat ourself to a little patcher ingpatch er pampering? how about your dogs? the new trend that treats their pets. also coming up getting ready for new year's eve. we have easy ways to add some fancy touches you own. we can hook you up with snack ideas,s u're gfriend's house. >> youparty.l see how it >> how cold will it new year's eve?

>> in new york it will be zero cold. colder. it will be cold one in the northeast. surging into the northern the continues possible. it's a little icy across northern alabama to georgia, too, where tem closer to freezing. tomorrow, very blust it's cold right now.e cold tomorrow too. a little cloudy with 40s and 50s through texas. and heavy snow into thetherntongo into tot a good wednesday to you. cold weather continues today, tomorrow and right through the finish of the week in the philadelphia. your chance of snow coming up on saturday. temperatures in the low to mid 20s tomorrow and friday, snow chance on saturday.culates. friday you may see a snow shower in the lehigh valley, better chance on saturday. sunshine on thursday and friday, chance of snow on saturday. make it a great day, everybody. >> and that's your latest latest forecast. guys? >> dylan, thank you. dog owners often consider

their pets part of the family. >> and a new trend has some families treating their furry friends more like people. nbc's jo ling kent has that story. >> reporter: from "lassie." to "benji." americans have long had a love affair with their dogs. but the secret life of some may you. blueberry called the humanization of pets and it's become a big business across america. >> this is where doggies come for ultimate spa treatment. >> reporter: this is nicer than my americans spent a record $66 billion on their pets o pampering, usually reserved forpeople. 33% of pet owners say they pamper their pets with pet furniture. 17% buy pet clothing. and 10% have a stroller for their little fur baby. the owner of the fast- fast-growing pet hotel and spa, which takes boarding and grooming to a new level.

>> we'll drive him in and put a picture on facebook and instagram. we give them a massage, a grooming netflix and chill session, and a steak for dinner. >> reporter: if you want to pamper your pooch at home, ikea has rolled out a line of furniture for you and your pets. how about a food delivery service that drops freshly cooked meals for your pooch at your door. some calling it the blue apron of dog food. >> it's all-natural, 100% human grade. all of the ingredients we get for ollie are safe for you to eat, too. >> reporter: all this pampering may have a human benefit, too. people with pets save $12 billion a year in health care costs. >> everybody is looking to reward their pet more in human terms because everybody's finding that the benefits they're feeling, the better health the more alert, more

awake, to feel loving companionship. >> reporter: back at the pet hotel, there's no shortage of pet owners looking to offer their pets a human experience. >> this is her disneyland. she gets out of the car. she runs here. >> i brought her here for her the most fun place for her to be all day. >> reporter: what does she do? >> she got to play and got spoiled. >> reporter: at the end of the day, the dog owners agree, the cost of the pedicures and facials are a small price to pay for the puppy love. >> a blueberry facial huh? how do you feel about that carson? >> don't get me started. >> have you had a dog? >> i love dogs. i never give them blueberry facials. but good for them. >> i give my dog a little massage. i don't pay for it. >> i don't mind the massage part i guess. >> there's a line somewhere. it might be blueberry massage.

coming up not sure what wear on new year's eve? fear not. the finishing touches you can add to any outfit for a night on the town. first this, is "today" on nbc.

back at 8:38 with "today's style." we're getting you ready for new year's eve. instead of spending a lot on an outfit how about adding some simple touches to jazz up something you already own. here with us is melissa. how are you? a lot of times when you buy a fancy dress and with instagram and social media, people don't want to wear it multiple times. >> and who wants to go shopping snow in now? and the best thing is to shop in your closet. we have jennifer she's wearing a gorgeous outfit. it's great for new year's eve. but you can liven it up a little bit. i love the idea of taking an

embellished collar. these are from zara. they tie in the back and you have pop it on anything that doesn't have a collar already. it will really work. it adds flare. >> how are these? >> under $26. >> you get a new outfit for about 20 bucks. i'm seeing these boots and the razzle-dazzle shoes everywhere. >> it started i feel withurent glitter boot that looked like this. and it trickled down. it's all about the statement shoe. it changes the look of your en outfit. anything from glitter to sequins. everything under $100 today. it changes the look of your outfit. if you're wearing a turtleneck or black jeans and throw on boots, you're good to go. >> i would keep it simple. if you don't want to buy a pair of shoes, take a pair of shoes that you have in your put these fun shoe clips. >> are these back? >> these are back.

>> i had them as a little girl. >> these are $12.50 for the pair. you clip them on like an earring. so easy to do. it changes the look of your shoe. >> cute. so fun. how much are these? >> $12.50 a pair. >> seeing a lot of faux fur. >> faux fur was trending. it's all about the colors. these are great for new year's eve. i love the idea of popping one on either over a fun, festive blazer or with a black turtleneck. >> and i feel like it looks like you planned some glam. >> total glam. if this is a little too much for you, which it might be i love these. these are super fun. these are faux fur little wrist wristlets. you pop them on. if you have a long sleeve top, it looks like your shirt or whatever.

>> a solid color with these on the ends? >> so fun. these are from amazon. they're under $20. >> really? >> super easy and fun to do. i love these. unexpected. >> this is good. >> good stuff. >> good stuff. next of course statement jewelry, this is a time to bust out the statement jewelry if you have any. >> i have a bunch. >> we all do. if you don't, there's unexpensive ways. you can pop these on for under $25. i love a statement earring. these are very heavy. >> i was going to ask you about that. >> these are segment earrings. these are coming off in the next minute. make sure they're not too heavy. that's all i would say. a statement necklace another great choice. >> you have a pop of red lip. >> red lips are a great way to change your makeup. and this i love this color. joffra has amazing red colors too. it changes the whole look. and another great way to do it is with your hair accessories. yifou haven't worn air akhair

accessories, now is a fun time to do it. it's about embellished hair accessories. i love the idea of stacking them. on joanne we've stacked a bunch of bobby pins. we stacked like six of them all together. a lot of celebs are doing this. really beautiful. and another great thing, dress-on nails. >> okay. i remember the lee press-on nails. >> with the sticky tape. >> is it back? >> no. these are from static nails. they're really on-trend. you can see the shape of them. they have crystals on them which is beautiful. they stay on well. >> do you do the whole hand? >> the whole hand. her whole hand is temporary nails. you would never know. they come in cool colors and shapes and designs. you can get them -- from static nails or lulus.com.

>> people had nails flying all over the place. >> that's bad. these are staying on pretty good. really fun. look at this one. >> this is fun, too. these are picked up at claire's. these are stickers you put on your nails already. i have them on my nails here. there's a little sticker embellishments. >> you get an a-plus for today. these are beyond doable and under 100 bucks. i love that. thank you. by the way, we have more ideas on our website. i say we like i had anything to do with it. today.com/style. up next we have snacks to serve to impress your guests. first, this is "today" on nbc.

welcome back this morning. on "today food," how to create the snacks to please everybody at your new year's eve party. kelsey nixon, good morning. let's start with this lovely board right here.

i see some meats, some fruits some freezes. >> snack boards are all the rage. it's an update to the classic charcuterie board. we're going to compile meats and cheeses. i like to start with the center of the board. you can help me here. you start with the fruits and the veggies. >> you are going to add the meat -- not just a meat and cheese board. >> we're going to do the whole thing. and typically with the cheese board, people are concerned about the cheeses, to the extent it can feelng. a snack board is a little more casual. you can add a variety of cheeses. you can get some fruits in there. >> a lot of people apples with the cheese. >> you want people to come to the boards. you want them to graze. you want them to have do you use as a board? can you grab whatever chopping boarn great question. a large cutting board, or a tray as we're going to do the brewtoast, we're going to have

it loaded up. the more you load it up, the bett iether you're hosting or bringing something, you can walk in with a board like this and people will love it. >> great. >> this is a bruschetta board or tray if you will. >> i'm making myself useful >> the first time sheinelle jones hasel lookr at it now and savor it. >> the idea is for the person who doesn't love to cook, this is perfect. >> you have a sheet and arugula? >> this is arugula. we have ricotta and ise got some bruschetta here. i got pesto. and why don't you take the baked cuss crustini and put it right there. >> this is taking the board it. >> you can have a little olive oil.li a little balsamic. and the idea it's interactive. someone says i wantpesto. >> this is beautiful. >> look what is happening here. >>he bruschetta on top there. >> and look a that simple.

>> it doesn't take that long. >>ng nope. doesn't take that longno at all. the ideapromotes people to come to p your table and be interactive. >> really smart. >> what are you i'm making craig a crustini and this is bringing us together. >> the boards are uniting. i'm cutting the cheesraig.e >> and salty board. you want to take things that are sweet and salty. maybe you sayyou have to add the chocolate-covered potato tow it all together. >> i appreciate the women cyhimsy. let's take the whole thing and put it there. having a couple of bowls to segment some things. >> i love the sweet and kinds of snacks. >> you know it's okay to pile things on a board and put is right up your alley. you don't have to think. there's no wrong answer. >> and you fill in all of the spaces. it couldn't be more simple. candy. and who doesn't love popcorn and chocolate? >> that was delicious.

>>chocolate-covered potato chips. >> look at the ocspread. if that was the table -- >> let's look at all of this't eat dinner on new year's eve. you canw just have this out. >> as a host this is setprepare. if you're going to a party -- >> the perfect thing to bring. if you don't have a tray you get a cookie bring one to a party and host gift a little cuttin about this guy? the little bruschetta board, as well. people if they have dietary restrictions. you can do a a mediterranean board. >> this is a popular gift. cutting boards. we them. we should get rid of cutting boards. now is a a good reason. >> orr regift them by bringing them to another party. >> don't do it nood. >> perfect. reallyt. fun. >> thank you so much. for more ideas and other festive recipes go to today.com/food. we're back in a moment. first, thisnt is "today" on nbc. ke new yea r.

smucker's celebrates "today" is sponsored by smucker's. with a name like smucker's, it has to be good.

>> welcome back. with 2018 right around the corner our viewers are celebrating friends and families with new year's birthday. cindy shared this photo of her grandsons. they will be 1 on new year's day. julia us julia's sister deborah, will be 66. she cared for her younger siblings growing up. here's luke getting ready for the new year. he will be 5 on new year's eve. his mom said he wanted to arrive in time to party. keep sharing the awesome photos there of the new year's birthday. go to today.com/celebrates. >> mr. daly thank you. >> january 1st. >> the boards are the gift that keeps on giving. >> we could eat the whole board. so yummy. >> right? >> look at that spread. i could take a whole chunk of cheese with some wine. "megyn kelly today" is ahead, after local news and weather. thank you for joining us. ank you for joining us.

nbc 10 breaking news. good morning. a severe backup on interstate 295. let's check on that situation with pamela osborne. >> the back upup is looking a

little bit better but it's hard to tell. the closure is between sloane avenue and route 1 on 295. this is backed up all the way to route 33 because of an accident. we know there is traffic getting by on the right hand shoulder. police are funneling traffic in that one line to get around. so there are delays of up to 27 minutes. if you're on this an easy way to get off is follow the detour. but if you want to avoid it all together try route 206 or route 29. bitter cold continues to be the big story. the flags are flapping in the wind here. we will see that wind continue today. that's a key ingredient on why it feels so bad outside. temperatures today heading into the mid to upper 20s but when you factor in the wind, it will

feel like the teens. we have our first look at a vehicle of interest in a deadly hit-and-run this morning in the overbrook neighborhood. witnesses tell police they saw a red car take off from the scene. investigators say they found a lexus emblem near the body of the victim. when you walk outside, definitely bundle up. we're back here later on today for nbc 10 news at 11:00.

michael: i'm thankful that i'm alive and have a second chance. james: i'm thankful for the help and the opportunity that i received. darlene: i'm thankful to be able to help people in crisis. vanessa: i'm thankful that addiction is treatable, and that help is available. christie: new jersey is experiencing a heroin epidemic fueled by opioid painkillers. but if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction i want you to know: we are here for you. this holiday season, choose help. call 844 reach nj or visit reachnj.gov.

this morning on "megyn kelly today," a survivor's tale. vegas shooting only to lose something dear to her heart. why she is still counting her blessings this holiday season. on how to survive a winter storm. andll quiz the entire room on 2017's best and brightest pop culture moments. will i be stumped in almost kelly today," right now. hello. hello there. what's happening? hi. welcome to the show everybody. welcome. it's great to see you.