Weather Explained: Acronyms in Weather

Acronym --- Meaning

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ATTM --- At This Time

SVR --- Severe

WX --- Weather

TSTORM --- Thunderstorm

Weather Explained: Alberta Clipper

What is an Alberta Clipper?

An Alberta Clipper is a moisture-starved snow system starting in the providence of Alberta, Canada. the storm typically affects the Midwest and Upper Midwest.

How much snow do they put down?

If you're in the narrow band, up to 6 inches can fall. Elsewhere, 2 inches typically falls.

Are they dangerous?

Other than slippery roads, as is with all snow, no. However, cold temperatures can follow Alberta Clippers, turning sun-melted snow to ice.

Why are they called 'Clippers'?

Alberta Clippers drop snow and move fast. They are notorious for what I call a 'snow-and-go'. Alberta Clippers may be the fastest moving storms to my knowledge.

Site Updates 12/16

12/16: Made text slightly lighter. Combined Severe page with wind links. Combined Stormtracker to accommodate hurricanes.

JMA, GEM Total Precip amounts

The top amount is the JMA total precipitation, bottom image is the GEM accumulation. To figure out how much snow (legend is for amount in water, like rain inches) comes out of the water, multiply the color number by 10. (example: Dark blue= .5 inches of rain equals 5 inches.)

SNOWMAP COMES OUT

Short Range Forecaster: "Confidence Increasing."

This is the Weather Centre's news reporter, here to show you what the Short Range Forecaster of The Weather Centre has come up with. "As the clipper comes through the area, confidence is increasing out of these totals, as the GFS shows steady snows in the respective outlined areas for their respective intensities." The forecaster also outlined some cities that may have disrutptions. "Chicago will likely have some issues, the Quad Cities, Indianapolis, Milwaukee will be affected as well." All in all, it looks like this system will hold light accumulations. "2 inches will be widespread, and at least a dusting around most of the Midwest as we go through the week."