The Sampson County area is likely to see snow and sleet this weekend, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
County officials were in the preliminary planning stages as of press time. Although Emergency Services Director Rick Sauer did not return calls for comment, he did send a statement via email. “Emergency Services is monitoring the weather forecast and participating in the NWS Raleigh briefings and meetings with stakeholders,” Sauer wrote. “It is too early to tell how this may impact Sampson County.”
The NWS is forecasting a 40-percent chance of rain and snow after 1 a.m. Saturday, with the likelihood of snow and sleet increasing to 80 percent during the day on Saturday. With lows in the 20s Saturday night, it is likely the area may see some adverse winter weather effects. The chance of snow and freezing rain continues Sunday, dipping down slightly to a 70 percent chance of precipitation, but the low Sunday night is 12. Monday, the forecast high is just above freezing, at 33, which heightens the potential for any snow and sleet on the ground to remain.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service’s hazardous weather outlook for Sampson County stated, “While there is still uncertainty in the exact timing and snow and/or ice amounts, there is the potential for significant winter weather this coming weekend. In addition, dangerously cold temperatures, with wind chills potentially as low as below zero are expected early next week.”
A major winter storm “is looking more possible,” weather.gov stated, emphasizing that “dangerous cold” temperatures will impact the area during and after the storm with windchills possibly dipping below zero.
“Right now, it looks like the main event will be late Saturday through Sunday, but of course this can change,” the NWS posted at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
“I would ask the people of Sampson County to take the weather forecast seriously,” Sauer advised. “The snow or ice could cause widespread power outages. With temperatures predicted to dip into the 20s and possibly lower, people should review their emergency plans.”
Sampson County last saw a dusting of snow in January 2025, but prior to that, the only signficant snowfall was in January of 2022, when Clinton saw 3-4 inches of snow.