What is an Alberta Clipper?

Question

What is an Alberta Clipper?

Answer 1

As the name implies, it is a storm that begins in Alberta and as the word "Clipper" implies, it is fast-moving.  It is most noticeable in winter, when it will be in the form of a snowstorm and sharply colder temperatures.  It typically moves southeast and often affects much of Canada and the U.S.

Answer 2

An Alberta Clipper is a fast moving, usually weak, storm system that dives out of Canada and typically brings much colder air to the central and eastern part of the United States.  These systems are usually moisture deprived, since they come from the dry, arctic regions of the north, but occasionally move slowly enough to get moisture from the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean to surprise east coast of the US with snow.

Typically, as an Alberta Clipper passes, you'll get a brief, but intense, burst of snow or rain called a squall.  Winds tend to be gusty behind an Alberta Clipper and wind chills may be low for several days.

These are all generalizations, of course.