A stop at whataburger. Early today starts right now. Good morning. Im phillip mena. Im frances rivera. The wildfires burning across Southern California are showing no signs of dying down any time soon. Six major fires are scorching well over 140,000 acres. Some 500 structures have been destroyed and hundred of thousands have been forced to flee their homes. The state offices of Emergency Services issued its widest ever text alert warning millions of extreme fire conditions as ferocious santa ana winds continued fueling those flames. Governor ch jerry brown is now calling on President Trump to declare a federal emergency in the state. The governor also just declared a state of emergency for san diego. Thats where the lilac fire exploded to over 4,000 acres in just a few hours, burning down at least hundreds of trailer homes in a retirement community. Dozens of horses at an elite Training Center also died as hundreds of others sprinted from the flames. Red flag warnings have been extended to sunday, due to dangerous wind conditions, making a difficult fight for mo there working around the clock to fight and control the flames. Nbcs scott cohn has the latest from hardhit ventura county. Scott . Reporter and hard hit it is, frances. Those eyepopping numbers that you mentioned, 140,000 acres burned in these fires, 500 structures destroyed. The vast majority of that is here in ventura county. This one fire, the thomas fire, which is 115,000 acres in and of itself, and is threatening nearby Santa Barbara county in addition to ventura county. Lets talk about the lilac fire down near san diego. It is threatening the Camp Pendleton marine base. Three civilians injured, and it is at 4100 acres, but threatens to grow much larger as the winds continued to blow. And officials are warning people in the fire zone and outside of it to be on guard. We have to be resilient. We have to work together. We have to look out for each i76 corridor and are affected by the lilac fire, there are still 70mileanhour winds going on throughout san diego county. It didnt mean that tonight there wont be another fire going start somewhere else. So everybody in the county still needs to be prepared because until these winds die down later in the weekend, everybody is at risk. Reporter now, those winds are continuing to blow, but they have diminished considerably from 24 hours ago. And the forecast always was that they were going to peak on thursday, but continue. So we still feel what you might describe as a breeze. And wind gusts still up to 40 and 50 miles an hour. But the hope is now that this santa ana wind episode will die down. Red flag warnings, though, continue in effect through the weekend. Phillip, frances . Thank you, scott. Now to the fires front lines. Jacob they race to contain flames. Im along the 101 freeway in ventura, california. This is the new front line of the thomas fire. The tom thomas fire has engulfed over 90,000 acres here in ventura county. And there have been over 50,000 people who have been evacuated from this area, with the winds expected to get what cal fire is calling to epic levels. There are no signs of this fire letting up any time soon. This wind event is a historic wind event for our county and the destruction is that its created. With the drought years that weve had, its just a bad combination. Reporter this is a multiagency response, partially because so many homes, lives, property are at risk. These homes are in the immediate path of the destruction right now. But with the shift of the winds at any minute, they too could go up in flames. And the direction could change. Our thanks to jacob be for that report. The United Nations council will meet to n response to President Trumps decision to recognize jerusalem as israels capital. Palestinians and Israeli Soldiers clashed in parts of the west bank and gaza thursday, leading to dozens of injuries. All sides now bracing for more violence as the powerful Palestinian Islamist group hamas declared friday a day of rage. Nbcs Richard Engel is in jerusalem with more. Reporter this was day one of President Trumps new plan, which he says will foster peace in the middle east. But peace was in short supply. Palestinians rejecting the president s declaration that jerusalem is israels capital. You can see they have been lighting fires here. Theyre burning tires using the smoke to provide a smoke screen. Palestinians threw stones at israeli troops. The troops fired rubber bullets and tear gas there is talk of a new uprising starting, what palestinians call an intifada. They say they tried the peace oc it didnt work. This could become an Armed Conflict said one of the young stone throwers. Everything is possible. Our thanks to Richard Engel for that report. Back to washington now, where Congressional Republicans may have gotten another layer of armor to defend their Senate Majority after democratic congressman al franken announced he will resign in the coming weeks. The junior senator from minnesota was under pressure from his own party to step aside following a seventh woman coming forward claiming franken touch herd inappropriately. Reporter former snl star al franken announcing hell soon be a former senator. In the coming weeks, i will be resigning as member of the United States senate. Reporter franken had been fighting to keep his job after seven women came forward the accuse him of Sexual Misconduct. Too many for 15 women senators, who demanded he step down. Enough is enough. Reporter franken insisting are simply not true. Others i remember very differently. Reporter but this photo of franken on a uso tour in 2006 with a sleeping Leeann Tweeden for which he apologized unleashed a half dozen more accusations. He had put his arm around me, and he ended up groping my right breast. Reporter franken calling out his rival party. Uam leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of Sexual Assault sits in the oval office, and man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the senate with the full support of his party. Reporter republicans in a tough spot if roy moore, who denies multiple accusations of Sexual Misconduct with teenagers wins the Alabama Senate race next tuesday. Also this morning, Republican Congress next month after the Ethics Committee said it was going to investigate allegations of possible Sexual Misconduct. Phillip . Thank you. Now to a white house comment getting a lot of athings this morning. This time its from first lady melania trump. She paid a visit to patients and staff at Childrens National hospital in washington. And just listen to her response when asked where she would like to spend the holidays. I would spend my holidays on deserted island, Tropical Island with my family. All right. Saying it right there. The first lady and the president are expected to spend their holidays at maralago in palm beach, florida. And that isnt the only first lady moment getting some attention. Mrs. Trump, along with second lady karen pence stopped by whataburger during their recent trip to texas. They grabbed a meal and snapped photos during their trip this week, catching employees by surprise. I was so excited. First lady is here. The first lady is here she walks in and i was so happy everybody came in. Everybody was so nice. Oh, with all the time in texas, phillip, we know. This is what you need to get. You love the jalapeno burger, i think. They made an excellent choice. That is my favorite burger by far. Great choice. Bill karins joining us with a look at the weather. You can get flit the snow this morning. Snow in areas of texas. Houston, all the way down to Corpus Christi and victoria. It doesnt happen that often. Pretty rare. It hasnt happened in a couple of years in this area. A lot of kids were out trying to see the snowflakes last night. Youll see some early this morning. Now though breaking out in mississippi and north georgia. Winter storm warnings extended from north georgia down through central portions of mississippi. So you dont see that that often either. And again, it will be light accumulations. But especially the bridge, the overpasses could be the most trouble. Snowfall totals down through louisiana. But mississippi into areas of Central Georgia and north georgia, thats where we could get 2 to 3 inches. Maybe the north georgia mountains maybe a little more than that. At story of the day. Now here is a closer look at the weather ahead. The cold air is moving through the great lakes and still filtering in through areas of new england that will be important for that forecast on saturday for the northeast and new england. The only spot in the Country Holding on to that summer warmth, orlando to miami. Temperatures still in the low 80s. Well talk a little bet more about this. But this forecast has changed, guys. Areas of coastal new england, got some snow coming. Well talk about it. All right. Looking forward to it. Thank you, bill. First family, daughter ivanka and jared hosted a dinner at the white house. Several israelis and those of the jewish faith were in the crowd and gave the president applause and thanks one day after President Trump recognized jerusalem as israels capital. President trump recognized them for their faith and resilience saying the nation is stronger and the world more full of promise because of the jewish people. Survivors from pearl harbor, plus donald trump jr. s battle over the russia investigation is about to get even trickier. Well explain here on early so probably take it at night. And if you have any questions, the instructions are here in spanish as you requested. Gracias. At walgreens, how we care will change over time, but why we care remains the same treating everyone with the care and attention they deserve. Walgreens. Trusted since 1901. Stuff happens. When you have a cold. [ sneeze ] shut down cold symptoms fast with maximum strength alka seltzer plus liquid gels. Tired of sore throat lozenges that only last a short time . Try new alkaseltzer plus sore throat relief. The melts dissolve quickly. Plus, the powerful pain reliever provides longlasting relief for up to six hours. Try new alkaseltzer plus. Why do people put why does your tummy go ly . No more questions for you ouph, that milk in your cereal was messing with you, wasnt it . Try lactaid, its real milk without that annoying lactose. Good, right . Mmm, yeah. Lactaid. The milk that doesnt mess with you. And take an extra 25 off weekend at kohls. 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Naval base in pearl harbor honoring survivors and those lost in the attack in 1941, as well as veterans who served in world war ii. Leading the news this morning, at least one highranking Senate Democrat is calling for donald trump jr. To be subpoenaed. Senator Richard Blumenthal releasing a statement demanding don jr. Provide documents and public testimony to the Senate Following reports that when appearing before the house intel attorneyclient privilege, withholding details of a conversation with his father when it came to the inflammation 2016 meeting with the russian lawyer. Blumenthal called his invoking attorneyclient privilege disingenerals you and bogus. The man behind the x men franchise is accused of raping a teenaged boy. A lawsuit says bryan singer allegedly sexually assaulted a then 17yearold on a yacht in 2003. According to the complaint, singer allegedly brought the teen into a room in the yacht and forced him to perform sex acts. He then allegedly told the boy he could help him get into acting as long as he never told anyone about the incident. A representative for singer said in part, bryan categorically denies these allegations and will vehemently defend this lawsuit to the very end. Once bryan prevails, he will pursue his own claims for malicious prosecution. A tractortrailer carrying boxes of vodka overturned and spilled its cargo on to a busy area of i95 year philadelphia early thursday mog. Hours of traffic problems near the bucks countyphiladelphia line and blocked the ramp from wood haven road on the i95 for most of the morning as well into the afternoon. Crews worked quickly to unload numerous boxes of titos vodka and move the tractortrailer. The roadway eventually reopened a little before 2 00 p. M. Firefighters say the truck driver did suffer injuries but is expected to live. Meantime, where is the cranberry and the lime wedge for all that vodka spilled. Still ahead, could the Winter Olympics be too dangerous for our u. S. Olympic athletes to attend . Youre watching early today. Thats good for my teeth . Now i dont have to choose my dentist told me about new crest whitening therapy. So, i tried it from crest 3d white comes new whitening therapy. Its our best whitening technology. Plus, it has a fortifying formula to protect your enamel. Now i get a whiter smile and healthy teeth, all in one. The 3d white collection from crest. When a achoo alls. Answer it. With zicam cold remedy. It shortens colds, so you get better, faster. Colds are gonna call. Answer them with zicam zicam. Get your better back. Now in delicious fruit drops. And take an extra 25 off this weekend at kohls. Give joy with jammies for the family a cuddl duds throw pillow or a keurig and for a limited time only yes2you members earn Double Points give joy get joy this weekend at kohls. They cahow many of em . E, sir we dont know. Dozens. All right lets teach these freaks some manners good luck out there, captain thanks but i dont need luck, i have skills. I dont have my keys. on intercom all hands. We are looking for the captains keys again. They are on a silver carabiner. Oh, this is bad. As long as people misplace their keys, you can count on geico saving folks money. Fifteen minutes could save you as a person who loves the finer things, this Holiday Season, ive asked for a luxurious new buick suv. fingers crossed. ring in the holidays with buick. Get up to 20 below msrp on most 2017 luxury suv models. Thats almost 7,400 on this Buick Enclave leather. Experience the new buick this Holiday Season for remaining 2017s. Vatican city kicked off the Holiday Season by lighting a towering Christmas Tree that survived a Lightning Strike in poland. The 6946 foot spruce is also 69 years old. It lost its tip when it was struck by lightning not 69 years ago. Thats in my head still. The tree travelled for 12 days through polands missouri region to the heart of saint Peters Square in rome. Beautiful. Just over 60 days to go until the 2018 Winter Olympics kickoff in south korea. But new comments from the Trump Administration are raising possible safety concerns over americas participation in the games which are set to take place 50 miles from the dmz line with north korea. Kristen welker has details for us this morning. Reporter a game plan in question when u. N. Ambassador nikki haley seemed to suggest the Winter Olympics. There is an open question. Its always about how do we protect the u. S. Citizens in the area. Reporter the Olympic Committee saying there hadnt been any discussions about not attending. And more confusion at the white house. No official decision has been made on that. Reporter but moments later, a clarification. Press secretary Sarah Sanders tweeting the u. S. Looks forward to participating in the Winter Olympics in south korea, stressing safety and security. A u. S. Official telling nbc news haleys comments were taken out of context. Still, it all underscores the escalating tensions with north korea, with comparisons to 1980 when the u. S. Joined more than 60 countries to boycott the games in moscow. The reality now the u. S. Does not want to boy scott cott an ally. The entire world comes together around sport. Thats kind of the spirit of the olympics. Reporter the athletes now ready to carry the torch. Kristen welker, nbc news, the white house. Straight of marvel superheroes. Keep it here on early today. N. I have cancer. And you also have st. Jude. Discoveries at st. Jude have helped to increase the overall Childhood Cancer survival rate from 20 . To 80 . And we freely share our research everywhere. You want one . Si, thank you for freely sharing. And thank you for giving. Visit stjude. Org or shop where you see the st. Jude logo. 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Include a buzzfeed exclusive, theyre working on a feature length animated film called marvel rising secret warriors set to launch in 2018. They have a diverse cast including miss marvel, the franchises first muslim hero. Thats going to be the first hero to get her own ongoing series. Miss america will be marvels first miss latino lgbt character. Shell be voiced by actress cierra ramirez. A lot of people getting involved here. The more diverse, the better even when it comes to superheroes. This is our world and it should be the same case when it comes to people saving it too. True. Hilton is introducing new services that will allow travelers to personalize temperatures from your smartphone. The connected room enables users from their app and also stream their favorite show. They can also switch different lights on and off and adjust the heating and cooling. So far connected room is being tested at the Hilton Garden Inn in memphis, tennessee. Its scheduled to spread to other Hilton Properties in 2018. How cool is that when it comes to the tech that you can use when you step into a hotel room . I love this idea. Having that, a lot of times you cant find the remote or you have to switch a certain button. You can do it from your phone. Marriott started last year where you can bypass the whole checkin, pick a room and go straight to it. Its just the next evolution in staying in hotels now days. You i know why i like it . It saves me from getting my antibacterial rips and wiping everything down that i normally do. Just another reason. Keep it right here on early today. Well talk about the blaze in california when we come back. See ya. Take care. Bably take it at night. And if you have any questions, the instructions are here in spanish as you requested. Gracias. At walgreens, how we care will change over time, but why we care remains the same treating everyone with the care and attention they deserve. Walgreens. 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Meanwhile, im in the storm center with sheena parveen. Were taking a look at this. When are we talking about this possibility of snow. Well. Its tomorrow. The good news is. What we like is when the stuff falls on the weekend. Were noft dealing with rush hour and all those things. It is tomorrow, chris. Were looking at higher snow chances. Now were look at more coverage too. Ill tell you more about that coming up. Its 39 degrees right now in the district. 34 in gates burglary. 37 in leesburg. 36 lorton. 37 clon