A historic and deadly winter storm that stretches over 1,500 miles blanketed the southern U.S. on Tuesday with historic snow totals, including the first-ever Blizzard Warning for the Gulf Coast.

MIAMI - A major winter storm is moving into northern Florida on Tuesday, bringing what will potentially be record-breaking snowfall totals in spots, the threat of accumulating ice and locally treacherous travel conditions.

Wind gusts as high as 22 mph on Friday could mean wind chill temperatures in the upper 30s in parts of Palm Beach County.

Snow fell in Florida's panhandle on Tuesday & Wednesday, blanketing roads, closing businesses and schools. Florida residents who had a rare snow day were seen in photos and videos making snowmen and having snowball fights. Meteorologists say the snow may stick around until Wednesday, but won't reach Tampa.

A major winter storm prompts blizzard warnings, dumping heavy snow and sleet in a region where even flurries are a rare sight.

Parts of northern Florida are digging out Wednesday after being hit by the winter storm that's rolled through the southern U.S. this week. The storm is expected to move into Georgia and the Carolinas Wednesday.

Tuesday's winter storm spread heavy, record shattering snowfall across the Gulf coast region in a historic, once in a lifetime event.The National Weather Servi

The heaviest snowfall in the Sunshine State occurred around Pensacola, where spotters reported measuring amounts of 5-12 inches through Tuesday evening.