Steve Futterman

That represents around $1 trillion worth of merchandise.

For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles.

There was plenty of foot traffic at shopping centers across the nation.

At this mall in suburban Los Angeles, we saw many people arriving with gifts they are returning.

Those people preferred not to talk to avoid embarrassment.

Then there were the bargain hunters.

Beverly Barisi came with her two children.

Believe it or not, she is shopping for next Christmas.

The returns platform SEAL estimates up to 25% of pre-Christmas purchases are expected to be returned.

That represents around $1 trillion worth of merchandise.

For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles.

The latest storms are not expected to be as powerful as the storms the last two days.

Those have caused extensive damage.

In some locations, more than 12 inches of rain has fallen.

Many roads have been turned into a muddy mess.

A number of water rescues have taken place.

Several deaths have been reported.

There is still a heightened awareness in both Pacific Palisades and Altadena, the two areas hit hardest in the January wildfires.

Those locations are experiencing mudslides and debris flows as adjacent mountains have little if any vegetation to hold the soil in place.

For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles.