falling across central and northwest iowa, but that will turn into snow in northwest iowa by wednesday morning. northwest iowa will likely see accumulations ranging between 1 to 2 inches with totals increasing as you move towards south dakota. we are going to be dry but cold through the rest of the week as temperatures fall into the lower 30s and upper 20s. next week there will be a few rain chances early in the week and we will likely warm back into the 40s, so as of now still no white christmas in the forecast. sabrina: let's get into the top five this let's get into the top five this morning.... sabrina: the rains over the past few days have lead to flooding in the metro... rising waters forced parts of george flagg parkway, fleur drive, and southeast hartford to be closed to

flooding at water works park even forced jolly holiday lights to cancel the rest of its season, a first in its 20- year history. sabrina: in the number two spot this morning... sabrina: a hit an run investigation on the iowa state campus. just after seven monday morning, isu police found emmalee jacobs at the intersection of ash avenues and lincoln way. she was taken to the hospital where she later died. ames police are now assisting in the investigation. anyone who may have information is asked to contact authorities. sabrina: the third thing you need to know before you walk out the door... sabrina: deadline for health insurance affordable care december 15th is the last day to sign up and have coverage that begins january first. officials expect a surge in enrollment to that starts with the open enrollment period does through the end of january. sabrina: sabrina: learned monday get a ticket to the rose bowl. almost 55- thousand ticket requests were put in for the

thousand tickets. for hawkeye fans hoping to go, but not able to get a ticket through the university, they will now have to turn to the secondary market...where the cheapest tickets come in at four-hundred dollars. sabrina: and finally in the top five... sabrina: tonight marks the final debate in 20-15 for the republican presidential contenders. a surge in the polls has helped ted cruz move closer to the middle, but donald trump will still be center stage. one of top issues likely to be addressed, terrorism and how to ensure security. sabrina: the search continues for a missing teen from des moines this morning. sabrina: 17-year old last had contact with night. polk county deputies are looking for sam kemp... his mother tells police she hasn't heard from him since he left for a party in granger saturday night. sam was last seen wearing a black nike sweatshirt and dark blue jeans. anyone with information should contact the polk county sheriff's office. sabrina: over in minburn,

monday, while the homeowner was still inside. it happened at the 700 block of laurel. a few surrounding fire crews were called in to help battle the blaze. a neighbor who called for emergency crews says the homeowner was asleep in the home when the fire started. no one was hurt, and it's unclear how the fire started. investigators say the home is probably a total loss. sabrina: we're back with meterologist sam schreier... sam: (sam adlibs) sam: weather adlib: we are finally done sam: weather adlib: we are finally done

this afternoon! the metro was soaked with 3.78" falling from saturday night through monday making this the wettest december of all time not only for the metro but most of iowa. we should stay dry during the day today, but we are going to start the morning with patchy fog. skies will be cloudy through the day with a high in the low 40s and a breezy east wind. tonight it will be cloudy again with lows in the mid 30s strong southerly winds. rain and a wintry mix will be falling across central and northwest iowa, but that will turn into snow in northwest iowa by wednesday morning. northwest iowa will likely see accumulations ranging between 1 to 2 inches with totals increasing as you move towards south dakota. we are going to be dry but cold through the rest of the week as temperatures fall into the lower 30s and upper 20s. next week there will be a few rain chances early in the week and we will likely warm back into

christmas in the forecast. sabrina: there's was definitely an air of celebration and admiration at the iowa state fairgrounds last night. the longest serving governor in the nation's history made his rounds greeting supporters throughout the night, branstad first took office in 1983. he's never lost an election, giving him a 19 and oh record no mattter what office he sought. to give you an idea of the place governor branstad carved out in history... the previous longest serving governor was george clinton from new york, who served seven three-year terms starting in 1777. at the event honoring the governor some high profile republicans and democrats congratulated mr. branstad on making history. grassley - you've earned your place in history by willingness to serve and to lead. boswell - i don't care if you're independent, republican, democrat, or something else. this is a great occasion thta we all ought to be proud this has happened. sabrina: branstad's new

every place setting in the room. proceeds will go to help efforts in the state that are preserving and promoting iowa's history. sabrina at ((time check)) we'll take a short break, but still have lots more good morning iowa ahead... coming up, a look at how star wars has inspired a new type of workout! sabrina: but first...for those traveling into polk county...be safe this morning... the sheriff's office has automated traffic enforcement vehicles at two locations.... one at the ...72- hundred block of northwest 26th street and a second at the ...49-hundred block of northwest beaver drive so take care on block of northwest beaver drive so take care on the roads today... sabrina let's also get a quick look at traffic... this is i-235 at valley west... [current conditions] good morning iowa continues

"your wathcing good morning iowa in hd with elias johnson, sabrina ahmed and we are iowas most accurate forecast with meteorologist sam schreier. this is good morning iowa." sabrina: the state of utah had to break out the snow plows and emergency vehicles monday, after a bought of severe weather dumped heavy snow around salt lake city. drivers struggled to keep their cars going, but found themselves having to dig out of the frozen mess. snow totals have ranged from nine inches to 18 inches....with parts of the state under winter storm advisories through tonight. sabrina: (anchor toss to wx) sam:

sam: weather adlib: we are finally done with rain here in the metro, at least for this afternoon! the metro was soaked with 3.78" falling from saturday night through monday making this the wettest december of all time not only for the metro but most of iowa. we should stay dry during the day today, but we are going to start the morning with patchy fog. skies will be cloudy through the day with a high in the low 40s and a breezy east wind. tonight it will be cloudy again with lows in the mid 30s strong southerly winds. rain and a wintry mix will be falling across central and northwest iowa, but that will turn into snow in northwest iowa by wednesday morning. northwest iowa will likely see accumulations ranging between 1 to 2 inches with totals increasing as you move towards south dakota. we are going to be dry but cold through the rest of the week as

upper 20s. next week there will be a few rain chances early in the week and we will likely warm back into the 40s, so as of now still no white forecast. sam toss back. sabrina: star wars excitement is everywhere...inc luding iowa highyways. the iowa d-o-t had a star wars theme for their message mondays... they asked for suggestions for messages related to the movie premier,

movie premier, and said they couldn't just pick one. sabrina with days to go until the "force awakens" hits theaters awakens" hits theaters nationwide, some fans in new york awakens" hits theaters nationwide, some fans in new york may put in a few extra hours at the gym. clare sebastian with days to go until the "force awakens" hits theaters nationwide, some fans in new york may put in a few extra hours at the gym. clare sebastian extra hours at the gym. clare sebastian shows us how the movies have inspired a unique workout for the aspiring to be jedi knights. " --reporter pkg-as follows-- the first rule of jedi school...know how to follows-- the first rule of jedi school...know how to handle your weapon -- (daniel reiser, instructor, new york jedi) "why do you think i have my strike at an angle like this - slide it down - " every thursday at this lightsaber fitness class in manhattan...star wars

out...in character. practicing moves just like the lightsaber battles from the movies though perhaps not quite to that level yet... today's instructor daniel reiser...a special education teacher -- has been doing this for 8 years. (daniel reiser, instructor, new york jedi) "where's the fun of just simply watching something, i mean you look at say a football fan - a lot of them are never gonna be an nfl player but they're gonna go in the back yard and throw that football around - it's the same thing but we have lightsabers. it's a way of becoming we truly love" training are... to a kitchen designer... by night - they are (russ briggeman) "its a visceral gut feeling, it just feels satisfying and all of a sudden you are a sith lord" star wars has inspired a type of fandom that goes way beyond a love of watching the movies.

experience it...and to really understand why...so do i. luckily i've been practicing my in-jokes (clare sebastian, reporter) "you don't have a really bad feeling about this" (luke skywalker) "i've got a bad feeling about this" (daniel reiser, instructor, new york jedi) "i always have a really bad feeling about this - that still doesn't stop me." (clare sebastian, reporter) "one, two, three, four five" whatever your skill level...this group has one core philosophy (daniel reiser, instructor, new york jedi) "once a jedi, always a jedi (clare sebastian, reporter) "so i think i've finally seen the light as to what it takes to be a true star wars fan. so really...there's only one thing left to say" (whole room) "jedi! may the force be with you!" " all: (reax) sabrina we have lots more good

here's abc's reena ninan and richard bacon with tech bytes. tech bytes: in today's tech bytes... registering drones. it will be required by late february... for the hundreds of thousands of drones currently flying. but if hey there. in today's "techbytes," registering drones. >> it will be required by late february for the hundreds of thousands of drones currently flying, but if you get one as a

right away. the faa registration website opens next monday. google maps rolling out new features. >> ios users will be able to pull up a store's holiday hours and a retailer's busiest time of day. facebook is getting in on the "star wars" excitement. >> click the try it button from the "star wars" account post and you can choose between the blue light saber, the color of the jedi or a red light saber. what's it going to be, richard? >> blue is my sincere answer. >> my professor the color red. >> that debate settled. those are your "techbytes." >> have a great day, everyone. announcement: this storm promises to be the biggest of the decade. with total accumulation of up to three feet. roads will be shut down indefinitely. and schools are closed.

made for real, real life. fact. advil pain relievers are used by more households than any other leading brand. to treat their aches and pains more people reach for advil.

forecast with meteorologist sam schreier. certified by weatherrate the independent weather experts" sam weather adlib: put script here in green we are finally done with rain here in the metro, at least for this afternoon! the metro was soaked with 3.78" falling from saturday night through monday making this the wettest december of all time not only for the metro but most of iowa. we should stay dry during the day today, but we are going to start the morning with patchy fog. skies will be cloudy through the day with a high in the low 40s and a breezy east wind. tonight it will be cloudy again with lows in the mid 30s strong southerly winds. rain and a wintry mix will be falling across central and northwest iowa, but that will turn into snow in northwest iowa by wednesday morning. northwest iowa will likely see accumulations ranging between 1 to 2 inches with totals increasing as you move towards south dakota. we are going to be dry but cold through the rest of the week as temperatures fall into the lower 30s and upper 20s. next week there will be a few rain chances early in the week and we will likely warm back into the 40s, so as of now still no white christmas in the

sam toss back. sabrina: in take a look at this today...some viewers try to give our favorite meteorologist a helping hand... sabrina: you may remember the story we talked about monday....a record-breaking gathering of people kissing under the mistletoe. and the revelation that sam has not had such an encounter... well, thanks to some viewers

department at the valley west hyvee he is now a step closer... the directions stated remove from box, place strategically, stand underneath and wait patiently all: (reax) sabrina well time now for another

short break... but when we come back... short break... but when we come back... a hot holiday item, gets a little overheated, causing lots of concerns. . ...but first here's what happened last night on jimmy kimmel live.

morning iowa in hd. we are iowa." on your money sabrina the hot new year has been hoverboards.. but now, the u-s consumer product safety commission is investigating at least 11 reports of "hoverboard" fires in 10 states. news of the federal probe comes as both amazon and overstock dot com halted the sasa of almost every model and brand of hoverboard.

certain models can burst into flames, as a result of malfunctioning batteries and plugs. but don't worry, there are a few models still being sold at certain retailers. sabrina: and finally, vending machines don't have the best reputation for healthy options... but pepsi is working to change that. the company has unveiled the new hello goodness vending machine that offers "good-and- better-for-you product choices." those products include naked juice drinks, lay's oven baked chips, doritos and gatorade... as well as gluten-free and fat-free options. sabrina that's a look at your money this morning... coming up after the break... sam's in with central iowa's most accurate forecast... but first... time for a quick look at traffic... this is i-235 at euclid... [current conditions] good morning iowa returns after this.

topping your headlines this morning... the enrollment window for health insurance may still have another month to go, but today still marks a big deadline. sabrina: and it's another showdown in the nevada desert, as the republican presidential candidates take the stage for their final debate in 20-15 sabrina: back in the metro, drivers will deal with some remaining flood waters left behind by the days of rain we have seen over the past week. "you're watching good moring iowa in hd. we are iowa's most accurate weather team. good morning iowa starts now " sabrina: thanks for joining us on your [day of week] morning, i'm sabrina ahmed. elias: weather is always first on good morning iowa... in with central good morning iowa... in with central iowa's most accurate forecast... meteorologist sam schreier. sam: (adlib toss) sam weather adlib: we are finally done sam weather adlib: we are finally done with rain here in the metro, at least for this afternoon! the metro was soaked with

making this the all time not only for the metro but most of iowa. we should stay dry during the day today, but we are going to start the morning with patchy fog. skies will be cloudy through the day with a high in the low 40s and a breezy will be cloudy again strong southerly winds. rain and a wintry mix will be falling across central and northwest iowa, but that will turn into snow in northwest iowa by wednesday morning. northwest iowa will likely see accumulations ranging between 1 to 2 inches with totals increasing as you move towards south dakota. we are going to be dry but cold through the rest of the week as temperatures fall into the lower 30s and upper 20s. next week there will be a few rain chances early in the week and we will likely warm back into the 40s, so as of now still no white

sabrina: this morning ames police hope to find the person responsible for monday's hit and run... sabrina: the week began with tragedy on the i-s-u campus, where authorities found a student in the roadway...the victim of a hit and run. urbana resident and i-s-u freshman emmalee jacobs was found lying in the road at the intersection of ash avenue and lincoln way. emergency services carried her to a hospital, where she later died. ames police are asking that anyone with information call them or story county crime stoppers. the information is there on your screen. sabrina: new this morning, a deadline for those wanting their health insurance coverage to start january first. sabrina: today marks the last day to enroll, to ensure that coverage begins the first of 20-16. for those already

change your insurance plans so that it will take effect on the first of next month. officials expect a surge in enrollment with today's deadline. however, the open enrollment window will remain opening until the end of january. after today, the coverage will take effect on march first. sabrina: due to the rain and flooding, jolly holiday lights has been cancelled for the searon, a first in its 20 year history. the beloved christmas tradition put on by make a wish iowa takes around 14- hundred volunteers and three weeks to set up. make a wish says the cancellation may cost it more than 200 thousand dollars in donations.. that money can make up to 40 wishes come true. "" all the challenges that we've seen from volunteers and staff, compares nothing to what our wish kids go thorugh on a daily basis. we love what we do and we'll keep doing it. and we'll keep raising money on behalf of make a wish iowa and kids across the state " " sabrina:

and donations are still being accepted by call, iowa wish dot org. sabrina:: on top of the flooding is closing roads like george flagg parkway and many others. the rising took over the clive greenbelt stores along boulevard. difficult for around. ""little cars start to surf board, and some people go really fast, then slow down to hit the water and it floods their engine-- we're insdie saying move, move, move " " sabrina: fleur drive is closed off to drivers, as well as southeast hartford avenue at southeast as southeast hartford avenue at southeast 30th court. go to we are iowa dot com for more updates on road closures. sabrina: and if you have any weather pictures or video be sure to share them with us you can post them at we are iowa dot com....just click on the share it tab! we may even use them on air.

sam schreier... sam: (sam adlibs) sam: weather adlib: we are finally done with rain here in the metro, at least for this afternoon! the metro was soaked with 3.78" falling from saturday night through monday making this the wettest december of all time not only for the metro but most of iowa. we should stay dry during the day today, but we are going to start the morning with patchy

cloudy through the day with a high in the low 40s and a breezy east wind. tonight it will be cloudy again with lows in the mid 30s strong southerly winds. rain and a wintry mix will be falling across central and northwest iowa, but that will turn into snow in northwest iowa by wednesday morning. northwest iowa will likely see accumulations ranging between 1 to 2 inches with totals increasing as you move towards south dakota. we are going to be dry but cold through the rest of the week as temperatures fall into the lower 30s and upper 20s. next week there will be a few rain chances early in the week and we will likely warm back into the 40s, so as of now still no white christmas in the forecast. sabrina: nine candidates are gearing up for the big showdown.. the gop presidential debate ... in las vegas with donald trump set to stand front and center. abc's stephanie ramos has more on tonight's debate. " script: the stage is set for the last gop debate of 2015. 9 candidates will stand

critical event heading into the iowa caucuses.... trump sot: "i think we're doing great in iowa, and i expect to win in iowa" at a rally in las vegas last night.....trump took aim at some of his main sticking points?.like?mexico and the wall he intends to build. this talk?. has trump supporters hanging on.... brand new numbers out showing trump hitting 41 percent with republicans -- the highest support he's had yet in a national poll but this debate may now be a 2 man race......between trump and senator ted cruz. in iowa, the two are in a virtual tie. on the debate stage....trump ..... will be flanked by cruz and ben carson?. the six remaining candidates will be florida senator marco rubio, former florida gov. jeb bush, businesswoman carly fiorina, ohio gov. john kasich, kentucky sen. rand paul and new jersey gov. chris christie. while trump predicts

bag at this debate...he also says... trump sot: "it's going be good." tag: the democrats debate for the 3rd time this saturday on abc?. stephanie ramos abc news washington" sabrina: don't forget to share your thoughts about the debate and share your thoughts about the debate and the presidential race? what issues do you want to see discussed tonight? and who do you think will be the next to drop out? let us know -- we may use your comments on-air. you can post you thoughts on twitter and facebook. or send us an email or give us a call . we'd love to hear what you think! the contact information is on your screen. sabrina at ((time check)) we'll take a short break here on good morning iowa.. still ahead, what hawkeye fans can expect to pay to watch their team possibly bring home the rose bowl trophy. sabrina: but before we go...as you get ready to start your day...be safe out on the roads.... des moines police will have mobile radar set up at two locations... one at the ....37- hundred block

the....49-hundred block of hickman - east bound so use caution while driving.. sabrina while we're at it... a quick look at traffic... this is i-235 at mlk... [current conditions] good morning

"your wathcing good morning iowa in hd with elias johnson, sabrina ahmed and we are iowas most accurate forecast with meteorologist sam schreier. this is good morning iowa." sabrina: talk about a weird winter...the past

certainly felt more like spring than the holiday season for some parts of the country. in connecticut, the mornings have been mild with a foggy start. the warm temperatures have even caused the cherry trees to bloom early. according to the national park service, peak bloom dates for cherry trees have shifted earlier by about 5 days since 1921. sabrina: anchor toss to wx sam: adlib toss. sam: weather adlib: we are finally done with rain here in the metro, at least for this afternoon! the metro was soaked with 3.78" falling from saturday night through monday making this the wettest december of all time not only for the metro but most of iowa. we should stay dry during the day today, but we are going to start the morning with patchy fog. skies will be cloudy through the day with a high in the low 40s and a breezy east wind. tonight it will be cloudy again with lows in the mid 30s strong southerly winds. rain and a

and northwest iowa, but that will turn into snow in northwest iowa by wednesday morning. northwest iowa will likely see accumulations ranging between 1 to 2 inches with totals increasing as you move towards south dakota. we are going to be dry but cold through the rest of the week as temperatures fall into the lower 30s and upper 20s. next week there will be a few rain chances early in the week and we will likely warm back into the 40s, so as of now still no white christmas in the forecast. sam toss back. sabrina: trending now...have you

sabrina: trending now...have you ever heard a baby polar bear snore? ever heard a baby polar bear snore? "nats of snoring" sabrina: this may be the most adorable thing you see today... a 5-week-old polar bear getting some zzz's. columbus zoo and aquarium released this video of the sleeping beauty. she weighs about 4 pounds and measures 16 inches. her eyes are not fully open yet -- she was born just last month. all: (reax)

bears eat for lunch? a: ice berg-ers! q: what's a balanced diet for a polar bear? a: a seal in each paw! q: why shouldn't you take polar bears to the zoo? a: because they'd rather go to the movies. a: because they'd rather go to the movies. q: what do you get when you cross a polar bear with a seal? a: a polar bear. q: what are polar bears cross a polar bear with a seal? a: a polar bear. q: what are polar bears called when they get caught in the rain? a: drizzly bears. q: what do you call a polar bear on thin ice? a: an ice breaker sabrina elias: we have more good morning iowa coming up

break... but first here's right after the break... but first here's what's coming up on "good morning america." "good morning america

"you're watching good morning iowa in hd. we are iowa." sabrina: monday, iowa fans learned whether or not they would get a ticket to the rose bowl... the university received 22- thousand tickets to the game....but almost 55- thousand requests were put in. this is the first trip to the rose bowl since 1991, and its no secret that hawkeye fans travel.

requesting ticketsthere are sure to be some broken hearts. local five spoke with a fan in iowa city who got the good news that he'd be inside the rose bowl for the new years day game. but wonders how they determine who got the best tickets. "(ethan diehl) my parents had season tickets for like 35 years and i read on k- hawk that point cut off for tickets is 31 and you get three points for each season so my parents had 105 points so they easily made the cut off for getting tickets to the game but they didn't get the best tickets to the game. so for me i kind of wonder like what does it take to get the best tickets. i mean they turned away 32,000 ticket applications. " sabrina: here's a quick look at what you'll be spending if you didn't get tickets through the lottery. the cheapest

dollars...with some going for more than five grand. don't forget to add in your flight. flights from des moines to l-a-x start at just under a thousand dollars. local five will be in pasadena for the big game, so look for live coverage on new year's day. sabrina time for another short break...but before we go let's get a quick look at traffic... this is i-235 at west mixmaster [current conditions] sam says ??? he's in with central iowa's most accurate forecast next... good morning iowa continues after this!

most accurate forecast with meteorologist sam schreier. certified by weatherrate the independent weather experts" sam weather adlib: put script here in green we are finally done with rain here in the metro, at least for this afternoon! the metro was soaked with 3.78" falling from saturday night through monday making this the wettest december of all time not only for the metro but most of iowa. we should stay dry during the day today, but we are going to start the morning with patchy fog. skies will be cloudy through the day with a high in the low 40s and a breezy east wind. tonight it

strong southerly winds. rain and a wintry mix will be falling across central and northwest iowa, but that will turn into snow in northwest iowa by wednesday morning. northwest iowa will likely see accumulations ranging between 1 to 2 inches with totals increasing as you move towards south dakota. we are going to be dry but cold through the rest of the week as temperatures fall into the lower 30s and upper 20s. next week there will be a few rain chances early in the week and we will likely warm back into still no white forecast. sam toss back. sabrina elias: a final look at

need to know before you head out the door... right after this.

look at your top five.... sabrina: the rains over the past few metro... rising waters george flagg parkway, fleur southeast hartford to be closed to traffic. water works forced jolly holiday lights to cancel the rest year history. elias: in the number two spot this sabrina:

the iowa state campus. just after seven monday morning, isu police found emmalee jacobs at the intersection of ash avenues and lincoln way. she was taken to the hospital where she later died. ames police are now assisting in the investigation. now assisting in the investigation. anyone who may have information is asked to contact authorities. sabrina: elias: the third thing you need to know before you walk out the door... sabrina: today marks an important deadline for health insurance through the affordable care act. december 15th is the last day to sign up and have coverage that begins january first. officials expect a surge in enrollment to ensure coverage that starts with the new year. the open enrollment period does continue through the end of january. sabrina: elias: number four... sabrina: iowa fans learned monday if they would get a ticket to the rose bowl. almost 55- thousand ticket requests were put in for the university's alotted 22- thousand tickets. for hawkeye fans hoping to go, but not able to get a ticket through the university, they will now have to turn to the

the cheapest tickets come in at four-hundred dollars. sabrina: elias: and finally... you'll want to know about this story in the big five... sabrina: tonight marks the final debate in 20-15 for the republican presidential a surge in the ted cruz move closer to the donald trump center stage. addressed, terrorism and national security. elias: final look at central iowa's most accurate forecast... sam we are finally done metro, at least for this afternoon! the metro was soaked with 3.78" falling from saturday night through monday making this the wettest december of all time not only for the metro but most of iowa. we should stay dry during the day today, but we are going to start the morning with patchy fog. skies will be cloudy through the day with a high in the low 40s and a breezy east wind. tonight it will be cloudy again with lows in the mid 30s strong southerly winds. rain and a wintry mix will be falling across central and northwest iowa, t that will tu into snow in northwest iowa by wednesday morning. northwest

between 1 to 2 inches with totals increasing