Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and New England Face Light Snow Impacts From December 23 Clipper Ahead of Tuesday Morning Commute
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK — A fast-moving Alberta clipper system is expected to sweep across parts of the Northeast United States early Tuesday, December 23, bringing light snowfall and minor travel impacts across portions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Southern New England. While the system is not expected to be a major winter storm, forecasters warn it could still affect the Tuesday morning commute in several high-population areas.
Current guidance suggests the clipper will be moisture-starved as it moves east, limiting snowfall totals but still producing enough accumulation in colder inland areas to create slick road conditions.
Clipper System Expected to Remain Weak but Widespread
Meteorologists tracking the December 23 system say the clipper will likely struggle to tap into deep moisture as it travels eastward. As a result, snowfall amounts are expected to remain generally light, especially closer to the coast.
However, cold air damming (CAD) has trended stronger in recent forecasts, a factor that may allow light snow to extend farther south and west than initially expected. This stronger CAD setup favors a southwestward shift in the snow axis, increasing the chance for minor accumulations in parts of the interior Northeast.
Snowfall Forecast: Heaviest Totals Inland
Based on current projections, the highest snowfall totals are expected across central and northern Pennsylvania, where 2 to 4 inches of snow may accumulate, particularly north of Interstate 80 and toward the New York border.
Farther east:
- Eastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley: Around 1 to 2 inches
- Northern New Jersey: Generally 1 to 2 inches, with locally lower amounts near urban centers
- New York City Metro: A coating to 1 inch, mainly on colder surfaces
- Southern New England (Connecticut, Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts): A coating to 1 inch, especially inland
Snowfall rates are expected to remain light, but even small accumulations could create slick roads during the early morning hours.
Tuesday Morning Commute Likely to See Impacts
Although this is expected to be a low-impact winter event, timing remains the primary concern. Snow is forecast to fall during the overnight and early morning hours, coinciding with the Tuesday commute for millions across the Northeast.
Bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads are most likely to become slick, particularly in areas where temperatures remain below freezing at daybreak. Airports in the New York City and Philadelphia metro areas could see minor delays if snow briefly reduces visibility or runway conditions.
Why This Event Is Not Expected to Intensify
Unlike larger coastal storms, this clipper lacks access to Atlantic moisture and will move quickly through the region. As it reaches Southern New England, increasingly dry air should limit snowfall efficiency, reducing totals closer to the coast.
Forecasters stress that while some uncertainty remains regarding the exact placement of the snow band, confidence is high that this will remain a light event with limited duration.
What Residents Should Prepare For
Residents across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts should plan for:
- Light snow accumulations
- Brief travel slowdowns early Tuesday
- Minimal but noticeable commute impacts
- Improving conditions by late morning
No widespread power outages or major disruptions are expected, but caution is advised for early travelers.
As the Northeast prepares for this quick-moving December clipper, staying alert during the early morning hours will help minimize travel disruptions. For continued weather updates and regional forecasts throughout the holiday week, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.