Western Storm Has Eyes For Central U.S.

Well it's on shore and taking shape - the west coast storm system has spread wind, rain and snow into California, Washington and Oregon - and now states inland.

The winds have been gusty over the past 24 hours in and around southren California.  25 to 40 mph winds have been clocked in the Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara vicinities.

Modesto, Fresno, Stockton and Redding (California) all recorded anywhere from 0.75 to 1.25 inches of rain over the past day - and up to 6 inches of snow has already fallen in the Sierra Mountains.

This water is much needed - as a lot of it will become drinking water for residents of southern California.

Over the next few days - this storm will produce the most widespread severe weather we have seen this season - stretching from eastern Colorado through Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri.

Large hail, heavy rain, dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and some torandoes are expected.