As a fast-moving system is expected to bring some plowable snow to Vermont, Northern New York and much of New England this week, many might be wondering what an Alberta Clipper is. We break down what this term means and where it comes from.

Alberta Clippers are quick-moving areas of low pressure that originate in the western Canadian province of Alberta, usually tapping some energy from the polar jet stream and sometimes a bit from the Pacific.

A clipper system brought many their first measurable snowfall of the season. That clipper system is also known as an Alberta Clipper. What is an Alberta Clipper? Alberta Clippers occur most often from October to March.

A series of fast-moving winter storms, known as Alberta Clippers, will sweep across the Upper Midwest and Northeast next week.