Dangerous below-freezing temperatures with even colder wind chills were also expected to last over much of the week in the region. Authorities say three people have died in the cold weather.

A major winter storm that slammed Texas and the northern Gulf Coast is spreading heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across parts of the Florida panhandle and eastern Carolinas

The record snowfall comes as a significant winter storm is sweeping across parts of the Gulf Coast, including the Florida Panhandle. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect across North Florida and the entire Panhandle.