The winter storm that moved through Florida on Tuesday into Wednesday is one for the record books, smashing the previous all-time high for snowfall in the Sunshine State.

Florida's 24-hour snowfall record has been surpassed as a "historic" winter storm swept along the Gulf Coast. Although the record-breaking snow—a somewhat rare sight in Florida—may be impressive to behold, heavy winter weather can disrupt travel and create hazardous driving conditions.

The winter storm that crossed the Gulf coast and landed in Florida earlier this week is one for the record books, smashing the previous all-time high for snowfall in the Sunshine State.

There were 18,000 Florida homes without power as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Governor’s Office. Some 20,000 have already been restored after losing power across the state during the storm. “Extreme Cold Warnings” remain in effect for most of the Panhandle through Thursday morning.

The major winter storm moved east Wednesday, spreading heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across parts of the Florida Panhandle, Georgia and the eastern Carolinas. The precipitation hitting parts of the Deep South came as a blast of arctic air plunged much of the Midwest and the eastern U.S. into a deep freeze.

Some areas in Florida racked up more snow than Anchorage, Alaska, which has seen just 3.8 inches since Dec. 1, according to AccuWeather (don't get too cocky, Anchorage had more than 25 inches of snow in October and November). So far during this meteorogical winter:

Not only did Florida get record snowfall, but it was colder in Pensacola this morning than it was in Anchorage, Alaska.

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.

While the snow may be over, the cold isn't, and that brings another hazard to Florida motorists not used to driving in snow and ice.

Expect temperatures to get warmer during the days through the weekend, but overnight lows will still be freezing for most of North and Central Florida.

Millions of people across the Southeast — particularly older adults living with low incomes — have faced immense challenges as they rebuild.'

Florida is seeing "significant" snowfall due to a rare winter storm. For native Floridians or transplants who escaped the cold, see when it warms up.