CUT-OFF LOW

A closed cold core low completely removed from the primary westerly flow. Cutoff lows may remain detached from the westerlies for days while exhibiting very little forward (eastward) progress. In some instances, a cutoff low may move to the west, or retrograde, opposite to the prevailing flow. It is important to note that a cutoff low is a closed low, but not all closed lows are cutoff lows.