good morning. christmas day nightmare. a tornado touches down in birmingham, alabama. >> when they say you take cover, you take cover. >> the twister leaving some residents trapped in debris while flash flooding led to daring high water rescues. the threat is not over yet with 50 million people lying in the path of the storm today. everything from possible tornadoes and heavy snow and flooding flooding.

trouble down under. a popular tourist destination as firefighters work to douse the flames. the fire is expected to burn for weeks. return rush. malls across the country bracing for another mad dash of shoppers who didn't necessarily want the gifts they found under the tree. how you can handle those holiday returns and great deals today. and hello, is this planet earth? an astronaut on board the international space station accidentally makes the prank call of the century when he calls the wrong number. it prompts him to apologize on twitter and telling the woman he is not a spacey cadet. today, saturday, december 26th, 2015. >> announcer: from nbc news,

1a in rockefeller plaza. >> good morning. welcome to "today" on saturday morning. i'm sheinelle jones. >> and i'm harry smith alongside kristen welker and ralpheal. >> did you have a nice christmas? >> my husband and kids flew back last night and i flew back with the gifts. i wonder if they will notice mommy took them all home. will they notice i'm gone? >> yes. >> merry day after. >> we will get to the stories in a moment. let's get to the top story. a christmas day nightmare with more severe weather across the south. ralphael, you have the latest. >> residents are assessing the damage after a tornado touched down on friday evening. the holiday turning into horror.

residents saw the funnel cloud from afar one minute and the next, at their door step. >> when they say take cover, take cover. >> several homes were destroyed. some people even had to be rescued from under the wreckage. >> wires being down. if there is no danger, move on. >> people found themselves searching for anything that could be saved. >> give me your hand. >> reporter: 10,000 customers lost power and residents throughout the state have been dealing with more than a half foot of driving rain and flooding homes. outside of birmingham, residents were saved from the raging flood watering. even the birmingham mayor came out to direct traffic friday night. the same twister in tuscaloosa

the same conditions that spawned the tornado are ponl responsible for the deadly outbreak in mississippi. volunteers there are still searching for the missing. >> we are trying to go through the mess with the trees and just a disaster. >> reporter: a disaster for those this holiday weekend, but came through the storm alive, something to be grateful for. >> what is important is your family and your friends and having a gift of life. >> and no deaths were reported in the christmas day tornado, but unfortunately, millions of people in the path of severe weather again today. we will have more on that in a minute. thank you. the weather outside may be frightful in some parts of the country, for many of us on the east coast, the warm temperatures are weird. here in new york city, the warmest christmas ever. nbc's kristen dahlgren is in central park with the latest on that. kristen, good morning.

december 26th, it is 53 degrees in central park. a lot of people running by in shorts this morning. much of the country struggled with the weather this christmas, but new york is not one of them. forget the figgy pudding. it was ice cream in new york. >> what is christmas normally like? >> white. >> how about this year? >> sweaty. >> reporter: ice cream trucking doing summer-like business with temperatures soaring to 66 degrees. >> best christmas ever? >> best christmas ever. >> reporter: in central park, short sleeves replaced winter wear. >> new york christmas. never think this. >> reporter: and in this bizarre world in buffalo, where there is feet of snow, instead saw a lake day with jet skis and scuba diving.

rhode island, christmas day was a good day to hit the links. record highs shattered for a second day. >> amazing. we spend half of our christmases in florida. >> reporter: there was no celebrating at eastern ski areas. no snow means no business. there was not holiday joy for fed ex. they were scoured by deliveries. i don't think irate is an accurate word right now. and the company blames the heavy volume and severe weather outbreaks. to hear about the severe weather outbreaks, people in the northeast say they are really looking at the warm weather as a gift. it is likely just to stay in the 50s today. no records. tomorrow, we could see another record.

until next week, we will not see it dip below freezing in december. that hasn't happened since they started keeping records. >> kristen dahlgren in central park. at our house, we complained because it was so warm. we had mosquitoes in the apartment. honestly. >> it is weird. >> still better on christmas. >> snow is better on christmas. we need the hard freeze. if they don't do it this year, and it looks like we might not, this is the first time on record we have not gone below freezing in central park. here is the set up. the above average weather continues. 25 to 30 degrees above average. bermuda high pressure. 80 in charleston. new york city is in the 50s. as we head into sunday, another record breaker in new york city. 65 degrees. part of the warm weather is

weather we saw yesterday. this is the set up. tracking a winter storm in the upper midwest. portions of the southwest this morning, you see the rain breaking out. this storm is just getting started. we will deal with this one for several days. here is the severe set up. possible supercells. we will track that. over 14 million people in the risk area. dallas and now a blizzard warning on the cold side of the storm for eastern new mexico into the panhandle of texas. this could be the most snow they have ever seen in parts of new mexico. unprecedented blizzard warning there. this is the set up. cold air colliding with the warm moist air. a spring pattern here. you can see the heavy snow throughout the day today. severe weather possible in texas. we will set this into motion so you see where the storm is going. lots of people trying to go home over the weekend. this is a mess. blizzard conditions possible as you head out west.

as you head into the southeast. you know, travel big over the next few days. this is a massive storm affecting millions of americans. the pattern might change next week a bit. we will look at that in a few. thank you. it is time now for a look at the rest of the top stories. >> kristen welker is here with the wildfires in australia. >> we begin overseas where wildfires are worries across southern australia. the blaze destroyed more than 100 homes on christmas day. forcing people to race from the flames. the emergency management commissioner said the brush fire could continue to burn for months. >> this fire is a fire that will remain with potential to burn in january and february. >> hundreds of firefighters are trying to keep it from reaching other coastal towns. in arkansas, arson suspected

home of former president bill clinton. by the time firefighters arrived in hope, arkansas, the fire blazed an outside wall. the chief said a smell of accelerant could be detected. and the current commander in chief made a visit to the troops. the president and first lady thanked service members stationed in hawaii. take a look. >> we never take for granted for what you do for the american people. you help keep us free and you help keep us strong. whatever service you are in, whatever branch, we are extraordinary grateful. >> nice tradition. the president said being able to personally able to thank the military men and women is something he looks forward to every christmas. and finally, one of the longest long distance calls to go astray. get this, this was from the international space station.

dialed up a number on earth to get the wrong one. he tweeted out a christmas day apology assuring her it was not a prank, but an honest mistake from space. that is a wrong number i would not mind getting. >> what would the caller id say? >> a long number. all right. it seems like we're dealing with the hot temperature in the northeast. others are having record snow. >> bizarre and extreme. we are snow starved here in the northeast. grand junction received 4.9 inches of snow. great skiing in the rockies. that was grand junction's snowiest christmas on record. here is the set up for today. you see the slight risk of severe storms. santa ana winds in southern california. wildfires reported there. and the heavy rain moving into

snow in the upper midwest. heavy snow in minnesota. 53, a cooldown in our temperatures pretty much holding steady today. outside right now, 54 degrees, pretty much all we're going to get today. clouds and wind off the ocean helping to keep temperatures from rising. showers approaching late in the day. a few more showers on sunday but a record high temperature of 68 degrees that will smash the old record. >> that's your forecast. o much. if you thought shopping season was over, now that christmas has come and gone, think again. bargain hunters are returning to

julia bagg from wtvj is at the mall this morning already. julia, good morning. >> reporter: harry, good morning. did you notice relatives around the tree yesterday who could not put down their phones? they may have been doing a little shopping for somebody they left off their list. christmas day is not a big day for retail shopping. that is changing. you can blame your smartphone for that. yesterday, online shoppers racked up a whopping $600 million in sales. that is $50 million over last year. what about today? the day after christmas. we just saw shoppers going into the apple store here. bath & body works getting an early start. we know it is not just about returning the ugly sweater or a poorly planned pair of shoes or shopping for yourself.

60% of guests that plan to shop those christmas after sales. also, harry, if you are looking for a more frugal option, something that won't break the budget, there is always regifting. it has been taboo in the past, but it is more popular now. remember, you don't have to admit it. >> julie bagg, thank you. we'll have some tips for handling holiday returns coming up in the next half hour. if you are one of the 400,000 americans who found a drone under the tree this christmas, there are some things you need to do before taking to the skies. nbc's blake mccoy has more. >> reporter: caroline and josh bishoff got a drone for christmas. neighbors beware, their flying skills need honing. they are some of the 400,000 americans receiving a drone this holiday. learning to fly it is unobstacle.

the sky, the federal government is clamping down. from now on, anyone operating a drone must register it with the faa. the new rules apply to anyone over 13. you must give your name, address and e-mail. the cost is $5. that is being waived for the first 30 days. >> as soon as you start flying outside, you are in effect a pilot. and the responsibility with becoming a military and ruling es apply. >> reporter: the faa says that will allow them to share rules with people like staying below 400 feet and no flying within five miles of an airport. airline pilots report 100 drone sightings and close calls each month. in january, this drone crashed on the white house lawn. and just this week, this video went viral after a drone nearly crashed on a professional skier. that sort of clumsiness has

holiday rush at his drone academy. >> before june, up to 500 students. >> reporter: before you take your drone to the wonders of the world, remember to register it. for "today," blake mccoy, nbc news. >> now to the new film tackling a major issue in the nfl head on. >> "concussion" is going into the doctor finding the brain disease among growing concerns of head area injuries in football. >> i found a disease. repetitive head trauma chokes the brain. >> the movie "constitution cussion"concussion" is based on the doctor who found

it is called chronic traumatic encephapholy. also known as cte. alec baldwin played the character who presented it to the nfl. >> i didn't wouldn't to believe it. it was not good news. >> no proof was presented today because there simply isn't any. >> they want you to say you made it all up. >> the nfl put its head in the sand. it took them several years kicking and screaming to address the protocol. >> retired nfl punter steve weatherford says the same is safer now. >> it was a war zone. the more people enthralled with the game to see junior seau take his own life. >> reporter: the league has seen

since 2012. the nfl says in part, we are funding independent sigh cientific and medical research to advance progress. the game continues to change. player health and safety is our highest priority. still, football is a contact sport. movie goers say the film opened their eyes. >> this movie changed my perception. >> i would not want my son or daughter to play contact sports like that. >> it raised the converse ation. and a look back at the week's biggest stories from the unseasonably warm weather and the feud with donald trump and hillary clinton and to the shortest reign ever in miss universe in history. we have all that in "the download."

we're back on a saturday morning with "the download." a time to look at the week's biggest stories. >> here are the headlines that caught our attention. >> wild weather across the country. over the holiday season. >> a devastating scene just before christmas after deadly storms and twisters carved through the mid section of the country. 11 people were killed and more than 40 injured. >> total loss. >> east of the rockies, temperature records were not just broken today, they were crushed. here are just a few examples. boston, 69. new york city, 71. norfolk, virginia, sizzling 82. >> in the northwest, they got more snow this season than last. on the campaign trail, face-off with the frontrunners with the republicans and democrats.

>> he is becoming isis' best recruiter. >> it turned out to be a lie. she's a liar. >> after donald trump's crude "s" word describing hillary clinton's loss to barack obama. >> she is using three b words. >> bigotry, bluster, bullying. >> he's fund raising off an editorial cartoon. now retracted by the washington post showing his young daughters as dancing monkeys. fair game after cruz put his kids in a campaign ad. >> i'm use my server and no one will be the wiser. a suicide bomber killed six american soldiers. >> as the americans walked through the village, a suicide bomber on a motorcycle drove through the group and attacked

it was the deadliest attack in more than two years. a new door was open for doing business in space. >> the falcon 9 rocket launched satellites and returned safely to earth. >> the falcon has landed. i have to apologize. >> and a crowning blow at the miss universe pageant. >> miss colombia forced to forfeit her crown on live television after host steve harvey mistakenly named her miss universe. >> i will take responsibility for this. it was my mistake. and looking ahead to next christmas, santa may now have new helpers. >> could this be the sleigh of the future? and this viral video sparked for many of us when it comes to

>> who's next? [ chuckles ] >> that eddie murphy. >> are you good actors when you get the gifts? >> you just say thank you. >> and you smile. >> i rarely get a gift i don't like. >> that is so phony. you're very good at it. >> true. >> my face says everything. i can't hide it. there's no hope for me. >> the first thing i saw yesterday morning, a meme of steve harvey. merry easter. i thought they are everywhere. >> he tweeted after the memes were out. >> this is the big talker of the week. >> did he sign a contract? >> he did. the ladies handled it so well. >> right. props to them. >> we're still talking about it. >> and why?

>> he's all right. >> he owned it. he wore it well. and everybody is still talking about it. steve, hey. still to come, at we prepare to look at the new year, a trend of 2015.

26 minutes after 7:00. looks like a lot of folks sleeping in on this day after christmas. it's december 26th. all of the holiday gifts have been handed out. the shopping season apparently isn't over. retailers bracing for the post holiday rush today and of course all those returns. shopping activity today will actually surpass black friday and cyber monday. as many as two-thirds of folks surveyed say they do plan to shop today. so if you are going out, what's your weather going to be like? how many layers will you need? >> more than yesterday. but it's still above average for this time of year

and then overnight tonight, temperatures don't really fall off at all. we're ll see a few showers and sprinkles. we are back to a record high on sunday. >> thank you so much for that. and thank you. we're coming back at you in 30

we're back on this saturday morning, december 26th, 2015. the day after christmas crowd bringing cheers to our plaza with the tree still an glow. happy that they're here. let's give you a look at headlines. first responders assessing the damage after a tornado touched down in birmingham, alabama.

residents without power. the twister spawning from the same unseasonable system that was responsible for the deadly outbreak including mississippi. a christmas day wildfire destroyed more than 100 homes on australia's southern coast. flames scorched a popular tourist destination. hundreds of firefighters battled the inferno sparked by a lightning strike. thousands were forced from their homes. and the golden state warriors were the grinch who stole the christmas win from the cleveland cavaliers and highly anticipated rematch. lebron james and the cavaliers battled steph curry in california. let's look back at an the trends that defined 2015. chris kristen. >> a lot of trends mean out with

let's reflect on the good, bad and ugly of 2015 as we look ahead to what you can expect in 2016. the selfie saw no slowing down in 2015 and neither did the cousin the selfie stick. >> how do you say you look stupid using a selfie stick. you look stupid. >> thankfully we have lots of fun things to capture like man buns and bubble nails and food porn. >> if you are taking pictures of food and you are not "better homes & gardens" or the food network, stop. eat your food. >> that brings us to instagram. giving rise to instamoms. and with fans of taylor swift to describe her girls

>> i used to think emojis were cute. people now are sending you a string of emojis and are you supposed to know what they mean. >> where do the trends start? >> they trickle up from memes and internet and from young people. in the past, trends that become what is popular is more on the hands of a few editors. >> and what is coming down the pike in 2016? expect things to stay casual. >> we are at the beginning of athleisure. it is considered the same way high luxury clothing is. >> if you are feeling nostalgic for charlie and jack and the fonz. >> it is the '70s comeback. >> think center parts and pigs in a blanket. and the trend goes for drinks.

>> if you were drinking sex on the beach, it is corny. it is no longer a stink eye. >> kylie jenner my have the exaggerated pout with her pumped lips. some posted real life photos of don't judge me trend that will continue in 2016. >> you are already seeing a lot of people break the glossy liknfestyle. it is hard to maintain. it can be jarring. >> which brings us to the social media darling for next year. snapchat. a story platform where you cannot manipulate images to look cooler and look for more direct contact with celebrities. >> beyonce hasn't given an interview in years. social media bypasses the old outlets that you relied on which

>> no matte p who reigns supreme in 2016, we can stay calm and carry on with the next big thing. >> no doubt. if you are wondering where in the world we should look to in 2016 for what's cool, everyone says south korea. expect beauty and fashion and music and food. i love the section about the emojis. it is true. you get an entire text with emojis. i know you are sending them, harry. you look perplexed. >> i had time on my hands for christmas. everyone sends you the merry christmas. i do red and green hearts. i didn't realize you had so many options. >> you have a lot of options. >> harry, jump in on it. >> i'm not an emoji person. >> you should be. it gives you a way to express your emotion. >> that and snapchat. >> yes. forcing ourselves.

>> i feel like i have to send you an emoji. let's get to the weather. they have all sorts of emoji ones, raphael. >> we are here the day after christmas. were the gifts good? everybody is happy. they want snow in the northeast. you don't need to bundle up. millions of americans, 25 million, dealing with the flood threat today. busy travel days. everyone trying to get home from grandma's house. look at the rain from texas and oklahoma and arkansas. that yellow bull's-eye is over 7 inches of rain coming today through monday. that is a flood threat for the central plains. severe weather for texas. blizzard in the southwest and new mexico. windy for california. cooler in the northeast. 53 degrees. still well above average there. we are tracking snow as we head

the pacific northwest finally catching a break today. the pattern has changed. no storms for oregon and washington and down in florida. hot and humid in the 70s and from a festive and breezy plaza, back to you in the studio. >> thank you.

how to handle the holiday returns for the discover card. hi! so it says here i can redeem my cashback bonus for cash. do i need to have a certain amount? nope, you can redeem your cashback for any amount, any time. that's great. yeah, you can use it for a statement credit or even get the cash. nice. i could use that extra cash for a last-minute gift. one less thing hanging over your head, right? tell me about it. gary, you got to go. who's gary? a mistake from last year coming back around again. too much egg nog! yes! laaaaa... at discover we treat you like you'd treat you. redeem your cashback for any amount, any time. get it at discover.com. feel a cold coming on? new zicam cold remedy nasal swabs shorten colds with a snap, and reduce symptom severity by 45%. shorten your cold with a snap,

when heartburn hits fight back fast tums smoothies starts dissolving the instant it touches your tongue and neutralizes stomach acid at the source tum, tum, tum, tum smoothies! only from tums there are 16 fresh-picked oranges squeezed into each bottle of tropicana pure premium. and absolutely no space for added sugar, water, or preservatives. tropicana. we put the good in morning. here in vineland, home of progresso, we figured out how to get rich ingredients like bacon into 22 light soups, so if you want 100 calories or less per serving without giving up rich flavor do what we do...make it

emerge restored. fortified. replenished. emerge everyday with emergen-c packed with b vitamins, antioxidants, electrolytes plus more vitamin c than 10 oranges. why not feel this good everyday? emerge and see. this morning, we are talking about returning the gifts you don't love. this morning, we have insider tips to help make the process easier for you. sarah is retail me not expert. good morning to you. thank you for coming in.

>> i did not realize 33% of le return gifts after the holidays. what are they returning? >> the biggest things returning are clothing and fragrances. actually. >> let's get to it. how should we prioritize? >> absolutely. first and foremost, prioritize your time. if you cannot hit the mall before noon, wait until after january 1st. wait for the crowds die down and you will ensure stress free returns. >> and are you suggesting people should sell unwanted gifts online? i never tried it. it is intimidating to me. >> try to get your big ticket items back. there's a timeframe for retailers. of course, like you said, if you are not able to get them back in time, and if you are, they will charge you a restocking fee. you may want to get the most

selling on e-bay or craigslist. >> let's leave the house and go to the stores. what do we need to do before we head out? >> you want to make sure you have the return and exchange policies in hand. all of these are printed on the web site and on the receipt. take them to the store so you don't get anything confused. bring identification. these days, a lot of retailers are requiring identification so they are trying to curtail fraud return and exchange behavior. >> if you don't have receipt? >> nordstrom and bed, bath & beyond and others are offering 100% customer satisfaction. what is awesome about these particular retailers, they are good about printing a return label from home and send it back free of charge. >> okay. i have a question for you. i got married i don't know how many years ago. i still have gift cards.

them in a box and you forget about them. some people have unwanted gift cards. >> 91% of us have received a gift card for the holidays and just like any gift, you might not necessarily want that particular gift card. there are web sites where you are able to sell your gift card and exchange it and look for something that you will use. >> this makes me feel better. you don't have to feel guilty. sarah, thank you for coming in. for more tips on returning the gifts, fights brain cancer. "i wish i wasn't different but you are getting because st. jude children's a special treatment like her across america the best chance at survival. i want to write oh honey... st. jude has doubled those chances for you. go to st. jude dot org or shop wherever you see

i absolutely love my new york apartment, but the rent is outrageous. good thing geico offers affordable renters insurance. with great coverage it protects my personal belongings should they get damaged, stolen or destroyed. x [doorbell] uh, excuse me. delivery. hey. lo mein, szechwan chicken, chopsticks, soy sauce and you got some fortune cookies. have a good one. ah, these small new york apartments... protect your belongings. let geico help you

coughing...sniffling... and wishing you could stay in bed all day. when your cold is this bad... ...you need new theraflu expressmax. theraflu expressmax combines... maximum strength medicines available without a prescription... ...to fight your worst cold and flu symptoms... ...so you can feel better fast and get back to the job at hand. new theraflu expressmax. the power to feel better.tm dove invited women to a makeover... with a difference. hi ma'am. hi. would you like to have a free makeover? perfect! who doesn't love a good makeover. here you go... it's a shower?! it's a shower! but it's a shower with dove body wash. with its breakthrough formula all it takes is just one shower. for softer, smoother skin. wanna feel? it feels really good! really silky smooth. it's awesome. i love it! dove body wash.

back now on a saturday morning with the highly anticipated film this weekend. quentin tarantino's "hateful eight." >> we have dylan dreyer who caught up with the experience. >> reporter: in the new movie, "the hateful eight" eight mysterious strangers are forced

set in wyoming, the film follows a bounty hunter played by kurt russell with his prisoner to the gallows. every person there is not what they seem. "the hateful eight" throws the brutal characters together and tests their loyalty and principles and friendships are made and betrayal. it is all set in the fun, funny, snowy western. is it a western? is it an who-done it? >> it is a western and it is a mystery aspect. my first time writing a mystery. >> no, no, no. >> you film this in telluride. i'm a meteorologist and it did not snow that much last year. it did not snow on cue like you hoped it would. >> i'm not used to working that way. the ideal way of working. but at the same time, there is something cool and ideal about

were you going for a big look. we were not going with phony snow. >> i assume working in the harsh conditions, it is nice to get back in the studio? >> the studio was refrigerated. >> we moved to a refrigerated stage in los angeles. then once we were there, we could keep the temperature exactly what we wanted. >> we were all sitting outside and we go inside. we think what did this [ bleep ] do to us? >> reporter: tarantino chose to shoot the film using 70 millimeter film. popular decades ago. >> it gave it a big look. as film is moving to digital effects, i wanted to actually plant a flag in the sand for film. i think when you see the movie in 70 millimeter in the theater, there is no more argument.

i have been in or director i have been around. he honors two words. moving pictures. >> now we're talking. >> reporter: what now? you have genius script and actors who trust each other to put this movie to the. is this as good as it gets? >> one of the things i was able to pass on to jennifer was the one great thing that will happen here is no matter what he asks you to do, no matter what it is, you can trust one thing. he will use it in its best possible way. >> he creates an environment not only between action and cut that you know magic is going to happen. >> you feel nothing will ever compare and how you ever go back. and consequently, everyone weeps the last day.

nothing like a tarantino set.compliment. >> and always such calm and peaceful affairs those tarantino films. just ahead, 50 million people in the path of severe weather heading their way. a blast of winter.

welcome, to the simply orange tour. this is our plant. these are our workers. and this, is upper management. but what you won't find around here, is any freezing, flavoring, or concentrating.

end product. simply orange. honestly simple. that's just the night watchman. sfx: owl still to come on "today," pressing rewind on the news that was. the stories that the citi double cash card comes in very handy with cash back twice on purchases. earn once when you buy, and again as you pay. that's cash back now, and cash back again later. it's cash back d\j vu. the citi double cash card. the only card that lets you earn cash back twice on every purchase with 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay. p

seem one sided. if you could see your cough, it's just a cough. you'd see how often you cough all day and so would everyone else. new robitussin 12 hour delivers fast, powerful cough relief that lasts up to twelve hours. new robitussin 12 hour cough relief. because it's never just a cough. when cigarette cravings hit, all i can think about is getting relief. only nicorette mini has a patented fast-dissolving formula. it starts to relieve sudden cravings fast.

need relief. that's why i only choose nicorette mini. introducing kisses deluxe chocolates. with a whole-roasted hazelnut, delicate crisps, and layers of rich, creamy chocolate, they' re twice the size of the kisses chocolates you love. say more with new kisses deluxe. still not feeling well? no...you know when i got sick my mom used to make me chicken noodle soup. aw, ok... you should call your mom. bye. campbell's chicken noodle soup. there when no one else is. campbell's. made for real, real life. feel a cold coming on? new zicam cold remedy nasal swabs shorten colds with a snap, and reduce symptom severity by 45%. shorten your cold

good morning. it is now 7:56. it is i don't know how many degrees. but it's warm out there, i can tell you that. it's saturday, december 26th. get ready for the post post holiday shopping rush. an american express survey of 66% of consumers say they plan to hit those after christmas sales. that means shopping activity today may surpass cyber monday and black friday. our nation's father crossed the delaware river on an ice christmas day back in 1776. this was the 63rd annual reenactment of that historic crossing. it's currently 54 degrees. we've been having a little

observation station, which is why you weren't able to see that temperature right off the bat. temperatures are going to hold steady today. dropping a little bit from the low 50s to the upper 40s by the late evening. >> of course you could join us at 8:30. right now we're headed back to weekend today. have a fantastic morning. [male announcer] in ireland, we live in what we like to call the now. it's a wonderful place where the conversation flows. in the now, the sun always shines, even when it's raining. you might even meet friendly locals with long shaggy hair. and find yourself lost in music in the middle of the day. jump into the now. jump into ireland. visit ireland.com

that sound. like nails on a chalkboard. but listen to this: (family talking) that's a different kind of sound.

unleash the power of dough. give it a pop. it's always worth remembering... that icing the cinnamon rolls is a privilege not a right. unleash the power of dough. give it a pop. good morning. it's 8:00. here are some of the stories we're watching. 50 million people in the path of a severe weather system expected to pummel the plains with snow and put areas to the south at risk for more tornadoes and flooding. this, the day after the tornado, pounded parts of birmingham and surrounding areas. plus, today, crowds hitting the malls to looking to return the unwanted gifts and cash in

and a newlywed husband finds himself in deep trouble when he loses his wedding ring working on a friend's boat. today, saturday, december 26th, 2015. >> good morning. welcome back to "today." we have a full crowd. everybody waiting for me to give the cue. let's see. some people say they are finished shopping. others plan to do the day after christmas shopping. thank you for spending your day with us. i'm sheinelle jones alongside harry myth alongside raphael miranda. >> only people from miami would think it's cold in new york right now. >> brrr. >> they're bundled up. >> lots to get to this morning, but let's start with kristen welker following the severe

>> that's right, harry. we have been talking about it all morning. residents and holiday travelers facing wild and sometimes deadly weather. in alabama, crews have been working through the night to rescue people trapped in the devastation through the tornado that swept through birmingham. >> when they say take cover, take cover. >> teams have been working to save people from fast rising water. storms throughout the south have left at least 15 dead. storms are hitting the west, but these are bringing snow blocking passes and coating las vegas. the west shivers and the east coast is warm with highs in the 60s. and investigators looking into a fire at an area mosque. officials are labeling the blaze suspicion news in texas.

visit on christmas day for a washington post reporter prison in iran. jason rezaian was able to see his wife and mother for hours. she said it was the first time she was able to bring him the home cooked meal. he has been held for more than 500 days on charge of spying. in china, emergency crews trying to rescue more than a dozen trapped miners. they have been able to pull 11 miners from the mine. the officials say the others are caught in three areas of a crushed tunnel and they are trying to reach them before the collapse of the unstable structure. and finally, a couple celebrating what they call a christmas miracle. jason and megan got married this year. this month, jason dropped his wedding ring overboard on a friend's boat. determined to get it back. he marked the spot with the goat's gps. then he hired a diver to make

the ring had been in theifater for six days. after some tense moments. the diver came up with it exactly in the spot it had been marked. it is a great gift to help them ring in the new year. >> you drop it in the ocean. >> that love was meant to be. >> a cautionary tale. >> unless you do it a purpose. thank you, kristen. >> that doesn't happen. >> no hints. let's go to raphael with the check of the forecast. >> good morning. no jackets here on the plaza ex- except for our friends from miami. we have snow out west. a blizzard southwest in texas and panhandle. everywhere shaded in pink is upwards of a foot. blizzard conditions expected there.

and .50 inch of ice with downed trees and power lines. this is through monday. today lasting through the weekend. for the rest of the country, windy in southern california. catching a break in the northwest. 50s in new york city. heavy rain in texas and into the great lakes. watch out for tricky travel on sunday as the

back to you in the studio. >> raphael, thanks. before the ball drops in times square, a stunning look back at the stories that dominated the headlines in 2015 right after this. pain from your day can haunt you at night, don't let it. advil pm gives you the healing sleep you need, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep so your body can heal as you rest. advil pm. for a healing night's sleep. a warm sun. lots of water.

that's how you grow the best, tastiest vegetables. and that's how you make it progresso. when heartburn hits fight back fast tums smoothies starts dissolving the instant it touches your tongue and neutralizes stomach acid at the source tum, tum, tum, tum smoothies! only from tums there are 16 fresh-picked

premium. and absolutely no space for added sugar, water, or preservatives. tropicana. we put the good in morning. the flu virus. it's a really big deal. and with fever, aches, and chills, mom knows it needs a big solution: an antiviral. don't kid around with the flu, call your doctor within the first 48 hours of symptoms and ask about prescription tamiflu. attack the flu virus at its source with tamiflu, an antiviral that helps stop r it from spreading in the body. r tamiflu in liquid form is fda approved p to treat the flu in people two weeks of age and older whose flu symptoms started within the last two days. before taking tamiflu tell your doctor if you're pregnant, nursing, have serious health conditions, or take other medicines. if you develop an allergic reaction, a severe rash, or signs of unusual behavior, stop taking tamiflu and call your doctor immediately. children and adolescents in particular may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior.

to moderate nausea and vomiting. anti-flu? go antiviral with tamiflu. here's a little healthy advice. eat well, live well, and take of what makes you, you. right down to your skin with aveeno aveeno daily moisturizing lotion with the goodness of active naturals oat and 5 vital nutrients for healthier looking skin in just one day. healthy skin equals beautiful skin. and for shower softness, add the body wash, too! aveeno naturally

how do you sum up a year in a few words? it's hard, but we'll try. 2015, a year of triumphs and tragedy. >> we will look back at the stories that shaped our world this year. >> breaking news. masked men open fire at offices of the newspaper in paris. >> terrorists traumatized this region for three days are dead, but not before leaving 17 innocent lives ended. >> this is fear with the one suspect, a woman, on the loose. >> breaking news. this is out of france where a germanwings passenger flight crashed. >> the co- pilot intentionally crashed the plane into the mountain. >> and a night of chaos,

baltimore over the death of freddie gray. >> areas in the city that look like a battle field. >> this is the moment nepal was brought to its knees. >> search and rescue teams continue digging through the rubble. >> death toll spiked above 3,000. >> inn credible emotion. >> a lot of sadness. >> what does this is a that in 2015, someone walks into a church and shoots someone one by one. >> the white house awash in rainbow over the ruling of same-sex marriage. >> a clerk in kentucky is behind bars over refusing to issue

couples. >> and john kerry, the first secretary of state, to visit cuba since 1945. >> and he seem like he was ready to fight until the end. some were we. >> i would like to say thank you for saving my life. >> the growing crisis. migrants trying to get way from the war-torn homeland. >> a glimmer of hope who have been stuck in hungary. they made it to austria. >> breaking news out of virginia. television reporter and photo journalist shot and killed and they conducted an interview live on the air. >> and it started over an ordinary day at the community college when the gunman opened fire on the vicious attack. >> he's in a classroom. >> we have become numb to this. >> a 57-year-old man behind bars

planned parenthood clinic. >> a couple young opening fire killing at least 14 people. >> startling information about the san bernardino attackers. >> tashfeen malik and syed rizwan farook left evidence behind. >> this was an act of terrorism designed to kill innocent people. >> the u.s. has seen more mass shootings than days in the year. >> the terror group isis claims responsibility for unprecedented attacks in paris. >> the scene of the worst carnage at the bataclan theater. >> police carried out a deadly raid. the suspected ringleader is in fact dead. >> our families mourn for their loved ones killed in the friday massacre. we are hearing remarkable stories of survival. >> and in a tunnel after the soccer game, the french started singing the french national

an anthem as defiantly patriotic as our own. last january, days after the "charlie hebdo" attack, this is the picture what we want to see. >> this morning, my thought as many others, viva la france. the pope is waking up in the u.s. after being greeted by the president and vice president and adoring crowd. >> it is our top story. pope francis continuing his tour of the u.s. on the way to philly to hold the biggest mass ever. >> pray for me. don't forget. >> be on the lookout for two escapees. >> where are they? >> the search to find and

a brazen prison break. >> i knew i was in way over my head. >> the nightmare is finally over. >> not the monster that everybody thinks i am. >> are you african-american? >> i don't understand the question. >> we begin this half hour with an naacp activist claimed to be black, but outed by her parents as white. >> are you an african-american woman? >> i identify as black. >> new england patriots at the center of the controversy. >> on friday, the nfl broke the silence on deflategate confirming that the balls in the first half of the game were under inflated. >> is tom brady a cheater? >> i don't think so. i feel i always played within the rules. >> we did it. >> american pharoah is crown. >> american pharoah is finally the one! >> what is an exciting horse

american pharoah wins the triple crown. >> it was hands down the most exciting sporting event i have ever seen. >> relief. the u.s. women win the world cup. >> we are world cup champions. >> bruce jenner's transition to a woman. the new look on the cover of "vanity fair." >> there is nothing better to look in the mirror and be comfortable with yourself and who you are. >> let the race begin. >> i am announcing. >> i am proud to announce. >> i am officially running. >> i'm a candidate. >> i announce my candidacy. >> for president. >> of the united states. >> questions raised about why hillary clinton used a personal e-mail account only during her tenure as secretary of state. >> the story that won't go away. >> did you wipe the server. >> what?

>> i said it wasn't the best choice. >> the american people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn e-mails. >> thank you. me, too. >> we put together a benghazi special committee. >> your scheduled to testify before the committee. do you think it should be disband. >> they admitted it is a political party. >> i thought more than what happened than all of you put together. >> nbc news learned house majority leader john boehner will resign from congress. >> this is not about me. this is about the people. >> the paul ryan era is under way on capitol hill. >> now more than ever, we must work together. >> donald trump is riding the wave to the lead of a crowded republican field. >> when mexico sends its people, they are bringing crime, they're rapists and some, i assume, are good people.

the republican candidate for president take on the frontrunner and pulls no punches. >> i have to get this off my chest. dos nald trump s a jerk. >> look at that face, trump is quoted as saying. >> i think women all over the country heard clearly what mr. trump said. >> do you think you are setting the r ht example of someone runnin for the highest office in the land. >> every poll said i'm the best leader by far. >> we have to wake up. we cannot elect somebody that doesn't know how to do the job. >> another day, another new poll with donald trump in the lead. >> it seems so hard for anyone to get attention. how do you break out? >> it's a marathon. >> donald j. trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of muslims entering the united states. >> he's a chaos candidate. he'd be a chaos president.

you like it or don't like it. >> what a year. >> breath taking. >> it just happens every year where you say so much happened. >> it was the year of shootings, unfortunately. >> terrorism. >> yes. >> and in new york. the thing i was struck by was the pope. we were so fortunate and the goodwill that he spread. >> it was exciting. you could feel it. >> and in that moment, it was incredible. >> hopeful days. >> we should thank the producer joelle garguilo. we'll be right back.

it's the holidays, which means a house full of people, who all want to get online. so hurry and get verizon fios. only fios has the fastest internet and wi-fi available, with speeds from 50 to 500 megs. and right now, for only $79.99 a month online, you get 50 meg fios internet, tv and phone for your first year. plus, with a 2-year agreement, fios gives you $400 back, and all the premium movie channels for a year. so go online or call now for this great offer. get out of the past. get fios.

of philadelphia here with us. >> we have philly folks here with us. good morning. hi, philly. >> listen, it's still beautiful in new york. we should take advantage of the really nice weather. the tree looks fantastic still. >> you cannot complain. that will do it for us this morning. tomorrow on "today," coverage of the massive storm hitting the middle of the country. and we look back at all of the fun we had in the past year. we'll see you tomorrow morning. >> let's do it. let's enjoy the weather. >> thank you. >> have a great day. >> on to shop. here's a little healthy advice. eat well, live well, and take of what makes you, you. right down to your skin with aveeno aveeno daily moisturizing lotion with the goodness of active naturals oat and 5 vital nutrients for healthier looking skin in just one day. healthy skin equals beautiful skin.

aveeno naturally beautiful results arturito soup! okay, okay. arturito soup! hi! arturito soup? follow me. campbell's new star wars inspired soups. arturito soup! yaaa! made for real, real life. when cigarette cravings hit, all i can think about is getting relief. only nicorette mini has a patented fast-dissolving formula. it starts to relieve sudden cravings fast. i never know when i'll need relief. that's why i only choose nicorette mini. kenlie and jaycee go to the same school. and we both have cancer. and they both came to st. jude children's research hospital where we've increased childhood cancer survival rates from 20%...to 80%. with your help, we'll get to 100%. so, how would you guys help st. jude? i'd carry his books. i'd buy him a dog. what kind of dog? st. bernard. nice, saints yes...

go to st. jude dot org or shop wherever you see the st. jude logo. discover card. hi! so it says here i can redeem my cashback bonus for cash. do i need to have a certain amount? nope, you can redeem your cashback for any amount, any time. that's great. yeah, you can use it for a statement credit or even get the cash. nice. i could use that extra cash for a last-minute gift. one less thing hanging over your head, right? tell me about it. gary, you got to go. who's gary? a mistake from last year coming back around again. too much egg nog! yes! laaaaa... at discover we treat you like you'd treat you. redeem your cashback for any amount, any time. get it at discover.com. it's here, the first gummy multivitamin... ...from centrum. a complete, and tasty way to support... ...your energy...

never before. centrum multigummies. see gummies in a whole new light. to the couple who set aside the whole day to sell their old car and buy a new one... oops. nana's got the kids til 9... but it's only 2. guess you'll just have to see a movie... ...then get some dinner. what a pity. coughing...sniffling... and wishing you could stay in bed all day. when your cold is this bad... ...you need new theraflu expressmax. theraflu expressmax combines... maximum strength medicines available without a prescription... ...to fight your worst cold and

and get back to the job at hand. new theraflu expressmax. the power to feel better.tm what if the sweet stevia leaf was discovered... ...before the sugarcane. after people were enjoying truvia in their coffee and everything else... ...sugar would come along and go, "hey, i'm sweet too." "sure, sugar, you're very sweet, but we've already got sweetness minus calorie-ness." it would be kinda awkward. truvia. life with less sugar is just as sweet.

coming up next on "today in new york" -- >> why did a man murder his family and then turn the gun on himself? it's the question police are now trying to answer. i'm live in edgewater, new jersey with the latest on that investigation. plus, a woman accused in a drunk driving crash that injured her own daughter and niece. the record warmth that we've had this month continues for the most part. ups and downs in our temperature

now on "today in new york," new information about a family killed in an apparent murder-suicide. >> plus, a woman facing serious

alleged drunk driving crash that critically injured her own niece. and communities across the south are cleaning up this morning after severe storms tore through that region. it is the day after christmas. hope yours was wonderful. i'm pat battle. >> gus will be back next weekend. the thing we're all talking about is the weather outside. didn't feel like christmas. >> no, it didn't. with the record high temperatures, it's a little tough to get into the holiday spirit for some. we're going to continue with these warmer than average temperatures. today, definitely cooler than yesterday. but this is a brief break from the really warm stuff. 52 right now in central park. 53 at jfk. 53 also in floral park. you can see that we have some cooler temperatures to the north and west. 45 in newburgh and poughkeepsie. and a few sprinkles and showers