A major storm spread heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across the southern United States on Wednesday, breaking snow records and treating the region to unaccustomed perils and wintertime joy.

North Florida residents from Pensacola to Jacksonville are bracing for what is expected to be a historic, once-in-a-lifetime winter storm.

Pensacola had official total of 7.6 inches, while Milton hit 8.8. Unofficial totals by Weather Service could be as high as 9.8 inches.

Snow in the Sunshine State doesn't happen very often. But it did. And here are the photos from Pensacola to Yulee to prove it.

Prior to this week, the record for most snow in a 24-hour period in Florida was 4 inches back in 1954. What’s remarkable is that this storm featured sleet and freezing rain too, but it was still mainly snow that fell in Northern Florida.

As a winter storm moves through Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, some school districts are beginning to announce if classes will resume.

It was a tricky forecast, but the snow came through about as expected. Now we have to deal with icy conditions Wednesday,” Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz said. The winter storm brought up to about 2 inches of snow over parts of north Georgia and areas south of Interstate 20.