Heavy rain, thunderstorms hit California

Downpours and thunderstorms hit Southern California early Friday as part of a powerful winter storm, weather officials said. KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, said some of the thunderstorms could produce small hail in Orange County Friday afternoon. A winter storm warning is in effect through 10 p.m. Friday for the mountain areas of Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, KTLA-TV said. Accuweather said the rain will also hit Las Vegas and Phoenix, and snow is in store for Denver and Flagstaff. Gusts will likely range from 40 to 50 mph in southern California and Arizona, and 50 mph to 60 mph in New Mexico and Texas. The storm is expected to drive warmer air to the eastern parts of the nation, Accuweather said, with highs reaching the 50s and 60s from the District of Columbia to New York.