Trying to get back for tomorrow's @TODAYshow for this week's big #noreaster and potential #Blizzard Watch @SheinelleJones from #edinburgh pic.twitter.com/VWwV2tmUYL
— Al Roker (@alroker) March 12, 2017
Al Roker‘s much-touted trip across the pond was more like a quick layover, thanks to Winter Storm Stella.
The Today weatherman landed in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Saturday, only to make his hasty return less than 36 hours later. He documented his entire mad dash back to New York City on social media – a literal race against the storm.
Roker was in the country with fellow Today co-host Sheinelle Jones for a special two-day segment, but seemed to only enjoy one night of Scottish reveling before news of the impending blizzard blast to the Northeast broke.
He was back on Today in N.Y.C on Monday morning – bright-eyed and bushy-tailed despite the jet lag-inducing journey.
My girl, @sheinelle_o has a strong reaction to trying #haggis here in #edinburgh at #PrintingPress for #TodayInScotland @todayshow pic.twitter.com/O2BJM7d8Gd
— Al Roker (@alroker) March 11, 2017
“Tomorrow, I’m supposed to be here in Scotland doing the Today show for two days, but we’ve got that blizzard coming, big storm, coming into the Northeast – Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast,” explained Roker in a video taken from the airport. “So I am trying to get back into New York to be on the Today show tomorrow morning. So tune in tomorrow morning to see if I make it.”
He updated fans shortly after with a second selfie video, explaining from his seat on the plane, “Okay, I made the first leg of the flight. Onboard waiting to take off for London.”
On my first flight. Hop to #London then hopefully make my connection. Watch @SheinelleJones and @KeirSimmons #todayinscotland #dunscastle pic.twitter.com/niE3RxAEmm
— Al Roker (@alroker) March 12, 2017
Once in London, Roker had to rush between terminals, writing “#fingerscrossed” as he attempted to make the quick connection.
Landed in #London now changing terminals. #fingerscrossed Heading to Terminal 3 and @VirginAtlantic pic.twitter.com/TmbG0wbVv6
— Al Roker (@alroker) March 12, 2017
Almost at the gate pic.twitter.com/fX0npg6Nsi
— Al Roker (@alroker) March 12, 2017
As he approached the gate, he said in a video, “Open up the kennel honey, I’m coming home.”
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After being safely seated on the plane, he recorded one final clip, telling his followers, “Whew! Well, I made it. Flight is a little delayed but that’s okay.”
“I’m heading home and I’ll see you tomorrow morning on Today,” Roker shared.
I made it. Whew. See you #tomorrow #morning on @TODAYshow with #team coverage of our #blizzard2017 and watch #today in Scotland pic.twitter.com/0j7WbgXPXn
— Al Roker (@alroker) March 12, 2017
On Monday morning, Roker was up bright and early for Today, giving viewers the full scoop on the storm and reflecting on his too-brief trip to Scotland.
.@AlRoker may have had to rush home, but he still has some fond memories from #TODAYinScotland! https://t.co/ZUg6oemgOG
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 13, 2017
“The other thing I remember though, most, about our trip… On Saturday night, you tried Haggis for the first time,” he detailed to Jones, who was still reporting from overseas.
Roker said Jones had a “reaction” to the pudding, which is made up of a sheep’s heart, liver and lungs. He on the other hand, liked the unique dish.