A new layer based on the Mesocyclone Detection Algorithm (MDA) was released today. Mesocyclones indicate areas of rotation inside a thunderstorm, which can be precursors to Wall Clouds and Tornadoes.

This freely available layer to all registered Weather Defender customers provides the following benefits:

• More accurate and frequent updates concerning rotation inside thunderstorms (precursors to tornadoes)
• Detailed information about the strength, dimension, and movement of each circulation
• Historical and future tracks of the circulation for long-lived mesocyclones

Here's how to add this new layer to your map:

1.   Unlock your map by clicking the padlock icon in the upper-right of the Map Layers window
2.   On the main toolbar, click Map > Add Layer
3.   In the Layer Browser, click the Severe Weather category
4.   Find the layer labeled "Meso (MDA)" and click Add To Map

Severe Weather continues into the Southeast part of the nation this weekend:

A High Risk means that widespread severe weather is expected, including:

• Strong or Violent Tornadoes (F2 or greater)
• Extremely Large Hail
• Widespread Wind Damage (80+ MPH)

A Moderate Risk means that widespread severe weather is expected, including:

• Numerous Tornadoes
• Very Large Hail (greater than 3/4-inch)
• Severe Wind Damage

A Slight Risk means the threat exists for scattered severe weather, including:

• Isolated Tornadoes
• Large Hail (up to 3/4-inch)
• Damaging Winds (58mph or greater)

If you reside in the areas affected by these outlooks, be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.

A powerful weather system is moving through the Central and Southern Plains this week spawning severe weather throughout the Midwest and Southern states:

A Slight Risk means the threat exists for scattered severe weather, including:

• Isolated Tornadoes
• Large Hail (up to 3/4-inch)
• Damaging Winds (58mph or greater)

A Moderate Risk means that widespread severe weather is expected, including:

• Numerous Tornadoes
• Very Large Hail (greater than 3/4-inch)
• Severe Wind Damage

If you reside in the areas affected by these outlooks, be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.