A rare and unexpected snowfall swept across North Florida earlier this week, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. Snow blanketed beaches, turning sandy shores into a surreal scene with palm trees covered in snow

This unusual weather event captured the attention of locals and visitors alike, as Floridians witnessed a rare sight in the Sunshine State.

In Florida, the Pensacola area broke the state's 130-year-old record for total snowfall. The National Weather Service reported at least 5 inches in Pensacola and 8.8 inches in Milton, both breaking the previous Florida record of 4 inches set in 1954.

"We plead with our with our residents to continue to stay off the road," Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. "They put not only put themselves at risk, but they put our first responders at risk — and our ability to respond at risk."

❄ How much snow did the South get? See snowfall totals for Florida, Alabama, Texas, more

A "significant" winter storm began to roll into the Pensacola area on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

"This storm has the potential to be historic for portions of the forecast area," the National Weather Service wrote in its 11 a.m. update Tuesday. "Mobile's 24-hour snowfall record being 6 inches, set in 1895, and Pensacola's 24-hour snowfall record being 3 inches, set in 1895."

❄ Pensacola could break its 24-hour snowfall record set in 1895. Latest snow forecast

By Wednesday morning, the winter storm blanketed Tallahassee in snow and sleet. Tallahassee’s all-time snowfall record of 2.8 inches was set in 1958 and it remains to be seen if the storm shattered that record. But the snow was plenty to send residents outdoors for some fun.

Tallahassee residents without "real" sleds had to get creative, commandeering cardboard boxes and cooler lids for the ride.

❄ Tallahassee, it's people and pets, enjoying the snow show

It's not clear how quickly the winter wonderland will melt. Temperatures will remain colder than usual across the South through Saturday, Jan. 25. Daytime highs will be 5 to 15 degrees below the average and overnight lows will drop below freezing, the weather service said.

❄ South Florida weekend weather includes Arctic cold snap that will plunge nighttime temps into the 40s

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Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Snow Florida 2025: Pensacola beach, Tallahassee snowfall pictures