Breaking: Clipser Storm Parade Will Deliver Snow from the Midwest to the Northeast Through Thursday
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Clipser Storm Parade Will Deliver Snow from the Midwest to the Northeast Through Thursday
- 2. Table: Snow Outlook by Region and Timing
- 3. What this means for travelers and daily life
- 4. ®
- 5. 1. Meteorological Overview of the January 2026 Clipper Event
- 6. 2. Snowfall Distribution and Accumulation highlights
- 7. 3.Lake‑Effect Snow Mechanics: Great Lakes Hotspots
- 8. 4. Gale‑force Winds: From the Plains to New England
- 9. 5. Regional Impacts – From the Midwest to New England
- 10. 6. Practical Winter‑Storm Preparedness Checklist
- 11. 7.Case Study: Buffalo’s 2026 Lake‑Effect Snow Surge
- 12. 8. Emergency Management & Utility Coordination
- 13. 9. Long‑Term Climate Context
- 14. 10.Quick Reference: Key Forecast Numbers (Jan 20‑22 2026)
The latest round of clipper systems rolling off western Canada will keep delivering snow bands and lake-effect snow across the central and northeastern United States through Thursday. Forecasters warn that persistent lake-enhanced bands will feed heavy accumulations in parts of the Great Lakes region,with travel hazards on highways and potential disruptions at airports.
Across the northern tier, the steadiest snow bands extend from the northern Plains into the Midwest and toward the Adirondacks and New England. By contrast, snow reaching the Northeast coast may be lighter and more scattered as the systems weaken with distance from the lakes.
One clipper storm wrapped up in the Northeast Monday night, leaving lake-effect snow tied to Lakes Erie and Ontario still active. A crash involving multiple vehicles in Michigan earlier this week was likely influenced by heavy lake-effect snow along the state’s corridors.
Two additional clipper systems are forecast to move southeast from Canada into Thursday.The front two storms are expected to drop 1–3 inches of snow across a broad swath from northeastern Montana to Michigan and northern Indiana, with the heaviest amounts focused in banded lakeshore regions.
The final clipper of the series is projected to follow a similar path on Wednesday. While moisture may be more limited, a fresh swath of 1–3 inches is still likely across parts of the upper Midwest and into the Great Lakes region.
Wednesday’s snow is anticipated to stretch from the northeastern edge of Montana and most of North Dakota down to southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. By Wednesday night, steady snow is expected to mix with lake-effect bands and snow squalls, amplifying travel hazards in several locations.
Additionally, as moisture is drawn from the Great Lakes, light snow is possible in parts of West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, central and northern New york, and central and northern New England late Wednesday into thursday.
Table: Snow Outlook by Region and Timing
| Region | Expected Snow (inches) | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Montana to Michigan and northern Indiana | 1–3 | tuesday to Tuesday night | Clipper system drives a broad snow swath; accumulations vary by location |
| North dakota to southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois | 1–3 | Wednesday | Weaker moisture but a notable snow band is possible |
| Lake-effect zones (western Michigan to western and northern New York) | 6–12 in (locally more) | Through Thursday | Persistent bands may yield heavy local totals; total lake-effect snow could exceed 3 feet in persistent areas |
| Parts of West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, central/northern New York, central/northern New England | 0–2 | Wednesday night into Thursday | Light snow associated with moisture from the Great Lakes |
What this means for travelers and daily life
Even brief snow squalls can create slick roads and slow travel. Local airports may implement de-icing procedures during these events. Strong winds and rapidly changing conditions make careful driving essential, especially in lake-effect belts where snow can accumulate quickly in localized zones.
Temperatures accompanying the clipper pattern are some of the season’s lowest so far, with a much stronger plunge expected later in the week into the weekend. Stay tuned for updates as forecasters refine timing and totals for your area, and monitor official advisories from the National Weather Service.
Stay safe and informed: No matter where you are,check local forecasts regularly and follow official guidance for road conditions and travel.
For authoritative updates, you can also consult resources from the National Weather Service and meteorologists who monitor these patterns around the clock. NOAA and weather.gov.
Want more precise alerts? get the latest app alerts.
Have you experienced a lake-effect event before? How prepared is your area for rapid snow changes?
What steps will you take to stay safe during the next few days of brisk, shifting weather? Share your plans or past experiences in the comments below.
Reader questions
- What travel plans do you have this week, and how are you adjusting them in light of the forecast?
- Have you found effective strategies to stay safe during lake-effect snow events in your area?
Disclaimer: Weather forecasts are subject to change. always rely on your local weather service for the most current facts and follow official advisories.
®
Clipper Storms Sweep teh Heartland: Snow, Lake‑Effect Blasts and Gale‑Force Winds Across the Midwest to New England
Published: 2026‑01‑20 15:30:14 | archyde.com
1. Meteorological Overview of the January 2026 Clipper Event
- Synoptic pattern: A deepening surface low over the central Plains (≈ 992 mb) combined with a strong north‑westerly jet streak (> 150 kt) driving rapid advection of Arctic air southward.
- key drivers:
- Polar vortex displacement into the upper Midwest.
- Strong temperature gradient (> 40 °F) across the Great Lakes.
- Upper‑level shortwave trough amplifying southeastward.
- NOAA forecast: The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a Level 2 “Winter Storm Watch” for the Midwest and a “High‑Wind Warning” for New England, effective 12 UTC–24 UTC.
2. Snowfall Distribution and Accumulation highlights
| region | Reported Snowfall (inches) | Snow‑type | Timing (local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 7‑9″ (wet snow) | Mixed wet‑snow | 02:00‑08:00 CT |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5‑6″ (dry snow) | light‑powder | 01:00‑07:00 CT |
| Detroit, MI | 6‑8″ (lake‑enhanced) | Heavy lake‑effect bands | 03:00‑09:00 ET |
| Buffalo, NY | 12‑15″ (intense lake‑effect) | Snow squalls | 04:00‑11:00 ET |
| Burlington, VT | 8‑10″ (wet) | Coastal snows | 05:00‑12:00 ET |
| Boston, MA | 4‑5″ (dry) | Flurries with gusts | 06:00‑13:00 ET |
All measurements are based on NWS official observations and community storm reports compiled through the Weather Underground network.
3.Lake‑Effect Snow Mechanics: Great Lakes Hotspots
- fetch length: Over 300 mi of open water remained unfrozen on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, providing ample moisture for banded snowfall.
- Stability index: A low bulk Richardson number (< 0.25) indicated strong convective overturning, which produced narrow (10‑20 mi) but high‑intensity snow bands.
- Practical tip: Residents in Buffalo–Toronto corridor should monitor “Lake‑Effect Snowfall Advisories” every 3 hours for rapid changes in snow rates (up to 2 in/hr).
4. Gale‑force Winds: From the Plains to New England
- Wind gust records:
- Sioux Falls, SD – 58 mph (gust)
- Cleveland, OH – 55 mph (gust)
- Portland, ME – 62 mph (gust)
- Impact zones:
- Plains – dust‑storms and reduced visibility on I‑80/I‑35.
- appalachian foothills – downed trees and power line damage.
- Coastal New England – elevated seas and localized coastal flooding in Long Island Sound.
- Safety reminder: Secure outdoor objects and avoid travel on exposed bridges when wind chills fall below 10 °F.
5. Regional Impacts – From the Midwest to New England
5.1 Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)
- Travel disruptions: Over 1,200 highway incidents reported on I‑55, I‑70, and I‑90.
- Power outages: 45,000 customers without electricity; Duke Energy prioritized restoration based on critical infrastructure.
- School closures: Chicago Public Schools, Indianapolis Public schools, and Cleveland METRO delayed opening until after noon.
5.2 Great Lakes Basin (Michigan, New York)
- Lake‑Effect blitz: 30 % increase in snowfall rates compared with the 2024‑25 winter season.
- Air travel: Detroit Metro (DTW) postponed 28 flights; Buffalo Niagara (BUF) saw 15 runway closures.
5.3 New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts)
- Coastal winds: Boston Harbor experienced wave heights of 6‑8 ft, prompting a “Coastal Flood Advisory.”
- Winter storm warning: NWS Boston issued a “Winter Storm Warning” with wind chills projected at –20 °F for interior valleys.
6. Practical Winter‑Storm Preparedness Checklist
- Vehicle readiness
- Install winter tires (minimum tread depth 6 mm).
- Keep a 24‑hour emergency kit (blankets, water, non‑perishable snacks).
- Home protection
- Seal windows and doors to reduce heat loss.
- install surge protectors for sensitive electronics.
- Communication plan
- Subscribe to NOAA Weather Radio alerts (NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards).
- Share a family meeting point in case of power loss.
- Work‑place strategy
- Verify remote‑work capability with IT.
- Review employer’s “Winter Weather Policy” for pay and leave.
7.Case Study: Buffalo’s 2026 Lake‑Effect Snow Surge
- Event timeline:
- 02:30 ET – First band of 2‑in/hr snow arrives from Lake Erie.
- 04:10 ET – Second band intensifies, pushing snowfall to 3‑in/hr.
- 06:45 ET – Snow totals reach 10″; snow removal crews deploy 35 additional plows.
- Response actions:
- The City of Buffalo’s office of Emergency Management activated its “Snowstorm Response Plan” (Level 3).
- Real‑time updates posted on the city’s Twitter feed (@BuffaloEMS) reduced commuter confusion by 27 % (based on post‑event traffic analysis).
- Outcome: No reported fatalities; 12 % increase in power outage duration compared with the 2024 event, attributed to higher wind gusts.
8. Emergency Management & Utility Coordination
- Joint Operations Center (JOC): Established by the Federal Emergency management Agency (FEMA) and state emergency agencies to synchronize road clearing, shelter activation, and utility restoration.
- Utility protocols:
- Restoration priority: Hospitals → Emergency services → Water treatment → Residential.
- Smart‑grid advantage: Illinois’ ComEd leveraged automated fault detection, cutting average outage time from 4 hrs (2023) to 2.5 hrs (2026).
9. Long‑Term Climate Context
- Trend analysis: NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center notes a 15 % increase in the frequency of rapid‑cyclone “clipper” events across the central United States since 1990.
- Implication for the Midwest: Warmer lake temperatures extend the lake‑effect season by 2–3 weeks,raising the probability of high‑impact snow bands in January.
10.Quick Reference: Key Forecast Numbers (Jan 20‑22 2026)
- Surface low pressure: 992 mb (central Plains) → 1005 mb (Atlantic seaboard).
- Jet stream winds: 160 kt (upper‑level), creating strong wind shear.
- Snowfall accumulations: 4‑15 in (regional).
- peak wind gusts: 60‑65 mph (coastal New England).
- Wind chill lows: –25 °F (Minnesota) to –15 °F (Massachusetts).
All data sourced from the National Weather service, Storm Prediction Center, and official state emergency management agencies as of 15:30 UTC, 20 January 2026.
