Heavy snow may be delaying a North Korean rocket launch, according to satellite images, but Pyongyang could still be ready for liftoff in a couple days. TODAY's Erica Hill reports.By NBC News and wire reportsUpdated at 9:55 a.m. ET: WASHINGTON -- The United States is shifting four warships into position to track and possibly defend against a planned North Korean rocket launch, while urging Pyongyang to cancel its second such attempt this year, officials told NBC News.
The Aegis guided-missile cruiser Shiloh and three guided-missile destroyers John S. McCain, Benfold and Fitzgerald will be put in place as a "prudent precaution," officials told NBC News.
The Navy ships' guided missile will attempt to intercept and destroy the North Korean missile if it veers off course and threatens either Japan or the Philippines.
The North Koreans have announced they will attempt to "put a satellite into orbit" atop a ballistic missile sometime between Dec. 10 and Dec. 22.
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