classic inspiring america. announcer: this is nbc nightly news with lester holt good evening it is happening. the dreaded winter storm putting holiday plans literally on ice for millions is under way. a stunning 105 million people under some kind of winter weather alert right now from blizzards to rain and floods, fierce winds to life-threatening cold the storm system has it all weather service forecasters in buffalo bracing for what they re calling a once in a generation event. as we come on the air, wind-driven snow has moved from the plains into the midwest, and temperatures are falling through the floor. in denver, the thermometer plunging 37 degrees in 1 hour the most dramatic drop there ever 37 states including those in the deep south are under windchill alerts as real feel temperatures fall below zero in many places and as feared christmas travel plans for millions in jeopardy right now. well over 2,000 flights in and out of u.s. airports canceled with more expe
grocery runs merge with last-minute prep. snow we re used to. it s the temperature dropping so fast and the ice and then black ice and all that that, i don t want to come out in. you re not messing with that? not at all. reporter: the next chapter in this arctic system s harrowing holiday saga maggie vespa, nbc news, chicago. this is tom costello all of that snow, the high winds, and deep cold are stalling and freezing airport operations tens of thousands of holiday travelers delayed or stranded. i m going to have to stick it out here until 8:30 tonight and see if i can make it to indiana. reporter: denver international, de-icing and a windchill of minus 17 degrees. a quarter of all denver flights canceled and thousands stuck. there s literally sleeping all i mean, in our terminal, people sleeping all