A clipped metric function is utilized to mitigate the adverse effects of impulsive noise (e.g., lightening, motor vehicle ignition noise) on communications signals. The clipped metric function may be used alone or in conjunction with conventional signal clipping. In one embodiment, a clipped Euclidean metric function is determined as a function of the input signal. The input signal is processed in accordance with the clipped Euclidean metric function, to provide a clipped metric signal. The clipped metric signal is processed in accordance with application dependent requirements. The clipped metric function provides improved performance over conventional signal clipping. For example, utilization of a clipped metric function provides improved performance in situations in which the impulsive noise does not increase the amplitude of the input signal to a level that would be clipped by signal clipping.