Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Discussion 273

   Mesoscale Discussion 0273
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   1035 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

   Areas affected...portions of central Virginia

   Concerning...Tornado Watch 66...67...

   Valid 161535Z - 161700Z

   The severe weather threat for Tornado Watch 66, 67 continues.

   SUMMARY...A locally more favorable severe weather corridor exists
   over the next 2 to 3 hours across portions of central Virginia.

   DISCUSSION...Temperatures have increased to the mid to upper 60s in
   a narrow zone from south-central Virginia into east-central Virginia
   late this morning. Some breaks in the clouds remain across this
   region which may permit some additional warming. The line of storms
   near the NC/VA border are also more favorably oriented for a greater
   damaging wind/QLCS tornado threat. Additionally, mid-level flow is
   rapidly strengthening with the FCX VWP showing mid-level flow
   increasing from 60 knots to 80 knots over the last 2 hours. 

   Therefore, this corridor from Halifax to Hanover County may have a
   greater severe weather threat over the next 2 to 3 hours.

   ..Bentley/Thompson.. 03/16/2026

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...AKQ...LWX...RNK...

   LAT...LON   36587862 36687950 36917945 37387927 37827853 38117799
               38317770 38287739 37637725 36807829 36587862 

   MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY...100-130 MPH
   MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST...65-80 MPH
   MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE...UP TO 1.25 IN