A major winter storm slammed the southern US Tuesday, blanketing parts of the Gulf Coast with record-breaking snowfall in a region largely unaccustomed to extreme winter weather.

A rare winter storm across North Florida is causing historic snow in Pensacola and the Panhandle. See striking images of how residents reacted.

Tuesday’s winter storm is bringing many Floridians their first look at snow in years, or ever. But the excitement of the historic winter storm is met with safety concerns. Towing service owner and Florida native Wesley Hatcher warns residents about driving in the hazardous conditions.