A strong winter storm blasting through the United States, including the Gulf Coast, is bringing the rare sight of snow and ice to northern Florida, and frigid rain to Tampa Bay.

Most of north Florida was preparing for a rare and potentially historic winter storm that could bring snow and ice to the area, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday. DeSantis held a news conference Tuesday morning to give an update on the state’s preparations for the storm,

Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency as the Panhandle and other parts of north Florida get hit with frigid weather and the possibility of snow and ice.

Parts of Florida are under a winter storm warning with multiple inches of snow expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A rare winter storm warning is in effect across North Florida and the Panhandle as bitter cold temperatures, along with snow, are expected to arrive. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency Sunday ahead of what some forecasters have said has the potential to be one of the worst storms in Gulf Coast history.

The University of North Florida in Jacksonville and the University of West Florida, located in Pensacola, both cancelled all classes, events and activities Wednesday in anticipation of the winter storm. Normal activities at both campuses are expected to return to normal by Thursday morning.

At least 6 inches of snow has been reported in parts of the Florida panhandle, surpassing the record of 4 inches set in 1954. The record snowfall comes as a significant winter storm is sweeping across parts of the Gulf Coast, including the Florida Panhandle.

Storm Warning is in effect for the entire Interstate 10 corridor where snow and ice accumulations could reach 4" over the next 24 hours. Pensacola will likely see the most snowfall in the state while greater amounts of ice are anticipated for cities such as Tallahassee and Jacksonville.