Chicago, IL – Communities across the Great Lakes region are under a broad weather alert as a series of Alberta Clippers may bring pop-up snowstorms every other day from Saturday, December 7, through Friday, December 13, according to early forecasts. The pattern may create widespread travel impacts across Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a strengthening northwest-flow pattern will steer multiple clipper disturbances out of western Canada and across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes next week. These fast-moving systems—known collectively as the “Clipper Express”—often generate sudden bursts of snow, gusty winds, and rapid temperature drops.
The first disturbance is expected Saturday night, with additional waves likely to follow at 48-hour intervals throughout the week. Snow totals remain uncertain, but the NWS warns that even brief accumulations may create hazardous travel conditions across major corridors, including I-90, I-94, I-80, I-75, and I-35.
Forecasters say the track of each clipper will determine regional snow distribution. Northern Michigan, northern Wisconsin, and Minnesota may see enhanced lake-effect or lake-enhanced snowfall. Meanwhile, major metros such as Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis could experience quick-hitting bursts capable of disrupting commutes.
Lake Erie and Lake Ontario shorelines—from Buffalo to Erie to Cleveland—may experience additional snowfall depending on post-clipper wind direction.
The NWS advises residents across all eight Great Lakes states to monitor updates closely through December 7–13, as Alberta Clippers commonly shift track and intensity with little notice.
