Mesoscale Discussion 0277
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   1209 PM CDT Tue Mar 31 2020

   Areas affected...Southeast Alabama...southwest Georgia...and the
   Florida Panhandle

   Concerning...Tornado Watch 77...

   Valid 311709Z - 311845Z

   The severe weather threat for Tornado Watch 77 continues.

   SUMMARY...The damaging wind/tornado threat continues into the
   afternoon across southeast Alabama, southwest Georgia, and portions
   of the FL panhandle.

   DISCUSSION...A combination of QLCS and line embedded supercells have
   produced several apparent tornadoes this morning across southern
   Alabama with peak Vrot between 45 and 50 kts in a STP 1-2
   environment and multiple TDS signatures. This is consistent with
   tornadic damage in the 100 to 140 mph range. The environment ahead
   of these storms will continue to be favorable for tornadoes, likely
   with similar intensities, as low-level flow continues to strengthen
   (1km flow near 50 knots per MOB/EOX VWP), and the upstream
   environment continues to destabilize. 

   Thus far, numerous showers and thunderstorms ahead of the main line
   have exhibited moderately strong low-level rotation, but there has
   not been any evidence of tornadoes with this activity thus far.
   However, as this activity continues to mature, it will also pose a
   tornado threat. 

   Mostly veered low-level flow is the primary limiting factor to a
   greater strong/long-lived tornado threat. Most guidance continues to
   keep low-level flow out of the southwest. However, trends will
   continue to be monitored as any localized low-level backing may
   increase the strong tornado potential. 

   NWS TAE recently expanded WW 77 farther east to cover the near term
   threat, but another tornado watch may be needed later this afternoon
   east of the current watch.

   ..Bentley.. 03/31/2020

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

   ATTN...WFO...JAX...FFC...TAE...MOB...

   LAT...LON   30618719 30858648 31178567 31688509 32348458 32318413
               32028279 31268285 30618322 30318392 30198510 30218579
               30368633 30408676 30488720 30618731 30618719