Climatologically, it is not supposed to snow in South Florida. The laid-back tropics are a region constantly gaining energy from the sun, and with Florida's temperatures moderated by warm water on three sides, snow is unusual even in the northern reaches of the state.

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

Pensacola awoke to subfreezing temperatures for the second day in a row as a “significant winter storm” began to roll into the area on Tuesday with the potential to cause extensive damage to property and public infrastructure.