A punishing storm has much of the U.S. bracing for severe winter weather. So what is an Alberta Clipper? And what should those in its path be expecting?

Saskatchewan is once again bracing for impact, as an Alberta clipper will begin forcing its way across the province on Saturday night. The storm system has prompted a winter storm warning stretching from Lloydminster to North Battleford and southeast of Saskatoon. People inside that region can expect to see a full range of winter weather.

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 dive southward into the U.S. from the Canadian province of Alberta. They can cause problems for northern regions of the U.S. during the winter months.

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.