In recent hours, the southern United States has been hit by a historic storm of cold and snow, with significant snowfall on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

Snow totals are still being reported across Florida, but as of Wednesday morning, it appears Pensacola has broken the snow record for the state.

Climatologically, it is not supposed to snow in South Florida. The laid-back tropics are a region constantly gaining energy from the sun, and with Florida's temperatures moderated by warm water on three sides, snow is unusual even in the northern reaches of the state.