New meso discussion:
Mesoscale Discussion 0656
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0445 PM CDT Wed May 06 2026
Areas affected...portions of Northeastern Alabama...northern Georgia
into far southeastern Tennessee and southwestern North Carolina.
Concerning...Severe potential...Watch possible
Valid 062145Z - 062345Z
Probability of Watch Issuance...40 percent
SUMMARY...Increasing storm coverage could support a few organized
supercells or clusters this afternoon/evening. While buoyancy is
modest, deep-layer shear remains quite strong along and near the
front. A risk for damaging gusts and perhaps a tornado or two may
develop.
DISCUSSION...As of 2140 UTC, regional radar and visible imagery
showed convection blossoming along the diffuse frontal zone
stretching from northern AL into GA and portions of TN/NC. Obstinate
cloud cover has limited buoyancy along the front northeast of
Tornado Watch 187. Still, mid 60s F surface dewpoints are allowing
for ~ 500 J/kg of MLCAPE. As storm coverage increases upstream over
AL, strong deep-layer flow (60-80 kt) may allow for organization
into supercells or linear clusters. This could support damaging
gusts with the strongest storms given the rather strong background
shear. Low-level shear remains modest, but given the proximity to
the front, a tornado or two may also be possible, especially with
any sustained supercells.
Observational trends and CAM guidance show a messy storm mode with
numerous storm interactions likely. This, along with the weak
buoyancy makes the severe potential in this region highly uncertain.
However, some severe risk could materialize, and a WW is possible.
..Lyons/Guyer.. 05/06/2026