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.

Parts of the Gulf Coast measured a foot of snow on Tuesday. For many cities the totals obliterate long-standing snowfall records. Milton, Florida recorded 9 inches of snow which more than doubles the all-time statewide Florida record of 4 inches!

Forecasters said it was too early to tell whether the ice and snow would approach or beat Tallahassee’s all-time snowfall record of 2.8 inches set in 1958.

Millions of people across the northern Gulf Coast braced Tuesday for a rare winter storm that’s expected to scatter heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain around the Deep South as a blast of Arctic air plunges much of the eastern U.S. into a deep freeze.

Houston’s two major airports, George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby, are also closed Tuesday, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest, is pretreated roadways and airfield surfaces in preparation for the winter weather, according to spokesperson Andrew Gobeil.

Winter snow storms have covered swathes of the southern US in thick snow, breaking records across the region. Despite some fatalities and airport closures, residents have been enjoying the unusual weather.

A winter storm is expected to bring extreme cold and possible record breaking snow to parts of the deep south.

Lingering frigid conditions could continue to disrupt the South in cities not accustomed to the deep freeze that has gripped much of the nation.

So, as the Deep South grapples with the foreign ... falling along the Gulf Coast. The NWS Tallahassee forecasters found that all Florida snowstorms were immediately preceded by a mid-level trough ...

A major storm could drop significant amounts of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain across the U.S. Deep South through Tuesday

For the latest updates on the snow, follow USA TODAY's coverage for Wednesday, Jan. 22. LAFAYETTE, La. − A wide swath of the South was targeted by a major winter storm Tuesday as brutally cold temperatures gripped much of the nation,

While there is snow in North Florida, West Palm weather forecast shows wind chill temperatures on Friday in the upper 30s in Palm Beach County.