Mesoscale Discussion 0247 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0339 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026 Areas affected...Arkansas...far northeast Texas...into northwestern Louisiana Concerning...Tornado Watch 53... Valid 152039Z - 152215Z The severe weather threat for Tornado Watch 53 continues. SUMMARY...The risk for all hazards continues across WW53. Gradual strengthening of ongoing going convection, and possible warm sector development later this afternoon should increase the severe risk with time. DISCUSSION...Across WW53, a broken band of storms has gradually intensified along a surging cold front across far southeastern OK into western AR. The environment ahead of these storms is still destabilizing, with temperatures warming into the upper 60s to 70s F, resulting in 500-1500 J/kg of MLCAPE. So far, capping has remained stout, especially with southward extent, slowing storm intensification/organization. The arrival of robust mid-level ascent and continued surface heating will erode remaining inhibition ahead of the front this afternoon. Most CAM guidance shows gradual strengthening of the frontal convection into this evening. Given the strong deep-layer shear, large low-level hodographs, and sufficient buoyancy, a risk for all severe hazards is expected to increase. It remains possible, but, unclear if discrete per-frontal convection can develop. Should this occur, supercells with a possible higher tornado risk in addition to hail and damaging gusts would be possible. This appears most likely where low-level moisture can maintain dewpoints near 60 F. Given expected increase in severe risk, the threat continues across the entirety of WW53 this afternoon into this evening. ..Lyons.. 03/15/2026 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product... ATTN...WFO...JAN...LZK...SHV...TSA... LAT...LON 32679539 35299385 36459299 36459096 34749123 33759134 33369143 32119253 31869316 31799341 31739381 31779481 31899534 32679539 MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY...100-130 MPH MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST...65-80 MPH MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE...1.50-2.50 IN
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