Delaware will need to start shoveling again this weekend, especially in Sussex County.

A nor’easter will start moving up the coast late this week and interact with the cold air hitting the eastern part of the country, potentially causing a bomb cyclone. The storm, named Winter Storm Gianna by The Weather Channel, is still hard to predict as specific details remain uncertain.

According to the National Weather Service’s 4 p.m. update, there is confidence a coastal storm will impact parts of Delaware this upcoming weekend with strong winds and coastal flooding. However, it’s still too early to determine other impacts such as snowfall.

Delaware snow forecasts

Here’s a look at the range of snow forecasts for Delaware this weekend.

• National Weather Service: The forecast is calling for snow starting Saturday, Jan. 31, in Sussex County and continuing through Sunday. The chance of getting 4 inches of snow in Sussex County is 50% to 60%. The chance of getting 4 inches of snow in Kent County is 40% to 50%, and the chance of getting 4 inches of snow in New Castle County is 40%.
• AccuWeather: The forecast is calling for snow to start in the First State at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, and run until 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1. Sussex County is expected to get 6 to 10 inches of snow. Kent County is expected to get 3 to 6 inches of snow. New Castle County is expected to get 1 to 3 inches of snow.
• The Weather Channel: The forecast is calling for the snow to mostly miss Delaware. Georgetown is expected to receive 2 to 6 inches from Saturday, Jan. 31, to Sunday, Feb. 1. Dover is expected to receive less than an inch, and Wilmington is expected to see a few flurries.
• Apple app: The forecast is calling for 2 to 3 inches of snow on Sunday, Feb. 1, in Sussex County.

What is a bomb cyclone?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a bombogenesis, or bomb cyclone, is a mid-latitude cyclone that rapidly or explosively intensifies over a 24-hour period. The storm’s central pressure usually has to drop 24 millibars in 24 hours.

Also known as a winter hurricane, the storm is capable of producing blizzard conditions, heavy rains and strong winds.

Delaware weather: ‘Bitterly cold’ temps preserve ice, snow – and school snow days

What is a nor’easter?

According to the National Weather Service, a nor’easter is a strong low-pressure system that affects the Mid-Atlantic and New England states. They produce heavy snow, rain, and tremendous waves that can cause beach erosion and structural damage. Wind gusts associated with these storms can exceed hurricane-force intensity.

A nor’easter gets its name from the northeasterly winds blowing in from the ocean.

How to prepare for winter weather

Here are a few tips to prepare for the cold weather.

• Stock up on snow removal supplies. Add rock salt or ice melt, space heaters and snow shovels to your snow preparation arsenal.
• Make sure your snowblower is working. There’s nothing worse than having heavy snow and finding out your snowblower isn’t working. Before the storm hits, do a test run or take it in for a tune-up.
• Clean the gutters. Remove all dead leaves and other debris so that your gutters can do what they’re intended to do – collect water from the roof and channel it down to the ground.
• Inspect the roof. Repair or replace any damaged shingles or hire someone to do it for you.
• Trim tree branches. Cut or trim back any trees that are close to your house.
• Add more insulation. Call in a pro to check your insulation and add more where necessary.
• Seal up cracks. Inspect doors and windows for drafts and seal up any openings to avoid the loss of heat and warm air.
• Insulate your pipes. Frozen pipes can burst, flooding your home and yard.

As temperatures fall, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services will open multiple warming stations to provide shelter for anyone in need starting Jan. 28.

These stations will offer Delawareans “a safe, warm space to get relief from the cold,” according to a post from the department on the social media platform Facebook issued Jan. 27. 

Temperatures through Jan. 30 are expected to be below freezing, with another chance of snow predicted for this weekend, according to a recent National Weather Service report.

The warming centers will include facilities located in all three counties, including Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown.  

Here’s what Delawareans should know. 

Another winter storm in Delaware?: Here are early potential snow totals

Winter weather: Can you sled on overpasses in Delaware?

Delaware warming stations

New Castle County 

Canby Park Office, 1920 Maryland Ave., Wilmington

Churchman’s Corporate Center, 84 Christiana Road, New Castle

Claymont State Service Center, 3301 Green St., Claymont

Kent County  

James W. Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover 

Smyrna State Service Center, 200 South DuPont Blvd., Suite 101, Smyrna

Sussex County 

Anna C. Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave., Seaford

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel

Thurman Adams State Service Center, 546 S. Bedford St. Georgetown

Delaware warming station hours

Stations will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 28. Stations will remain open throughout the remainder of the week, through Jan. 30.

What are journalists missing from the state of Delaware? What would you most like WHYY News to cover? Let us know.

Delaware’s congressional delegation is calling President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown lawless and vowing to oppose more money for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The effort to vote down additional DHS funding this week comes after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents, respectively, this month in Minneapolis. Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year old mom, was killed Jan. 7, and Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs intensive care nurse, died at the hands of federal officers last week.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware said federal agents are wreaking havoc on all Americans, and that this is a pivotal moment for the country.

“It is incumbent upon all of us to do whatever we can in this moment,” she said. “Delawareans, we’re known as a state of neighbors, and I hope that that sentiment stays with us and spreads across the country, because we need it now more than ever.”

The Trump administration, as well as the president himself, have blamed the victims for their deaths. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called Good a “domestic terrorist.” She said Pretti was “brandishing a weapon,” although bystander video shows Pretti holding a cellphone and trying to help a woman who had been pepper sprayed. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino said Pretti intended to “massacre law enforcement agents.”

DHS received $75 billion in the massive tax and spending bill Republicans passed this summer, known as the “one big, beautiful bill.” Senators are currently scheduled to vote Thursday on six “minibus” appropriation bills to fund the government. If those fail, a partial government shutdown could begin as soon as midnight Friday. Senate Democrats want the DHS funding bill to get a separate vote from the other bills.