Pensacola awoke to subfreezing temperatures for the second day in a row as a “ significant winter storm ” began to roll into the area on Tuesday with the potential to cause extensive damage to property and public infrastructure.

The National Weather Service placed northwest Florida under a winter storm warning until 6 a.m. Wednesday, reporting that snow accumulations would total between 2 and 4 inches, with up to 6 inches of snow possible in southern portions of the warning area. An extreme cold warning is also in effect for the area.

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves declared a state of emergency on Monday, hours after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for the Florida Panhandle. The declaration warned people to dress in layers, protect pets, plants and pipes and reminded people to follow fire safety precautions when using heating sources indoors.

What AccuWeather is calling a “rare” winter storm is anticipated to impact millions along a 1,000-mile stretch focused around Interstate 10 from central Texas to northern Florida and the coastal areas of Georgia and the Carolinas.

“As of Tuesday morning, an unprecedented blizzard warning was in effect from the upper Texas coast to part of the Louisiana coast,” wrote AccuWeather. “Blizzard conditions occur when the visibility is one-quarter of a mile or less in snow or blowing snow with winds of 35 mph or greater for at least three consecutive hours.”

Travel has already been significantly impeded as roads and airports along the Gulf Coast have shut down. All inbound flights and an overwhelming amount of outbound flights from the Pensacola International Airport have been canceled .

AccuWeather warns that this could be the biggest snow and ice storm in more than 100 years for parts of the western and northern Gulf Coast.

Northwest Florida could see several inches of snow under winter storm warning

Dry, arctic air is moving into the south, forcing the storm along with snow and ice into the Gulf Coast, according to AccuWeather.

"This will be a rare and especially dangerous winter storm right along the upper Gulf Coast that will result in major and lengthy disruptions to travel," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said.

Northwest Florida, including Pensacola, is expected to see between 2 to 4 inches of snow as early as 9 a.m. Tuesday morning and continuing until the evening, according to the National Weather Service.

However, areas around and south of I-10 could see the highest amount of snowfall.

"For the southern half of the area, especially south of the I-10 corridor, a solid 3 inches is possible, with hires ensembles hinting at the potential for higher amounts,” the NWS wrote in its latest discussion.

“HREF snow probabilities suggest the mostlikely (50% chance) snow amounts of 4 to 5 inches along and south of I-10, with a 10% chance of exceeding 6 inches in some of these locations.”

Road conditions will be unsafe during winter storm

Driving conditions in the Pensacola area could become more dangerous Tuesday evening as a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain could occur starting around 6 p.m. The NWS warns people against traveling unless it is absolutely necessary.

The NWS encourages anyone who has to travel to carry a winter storm kit, which should include an extra flashlight, food, water, tire chains, booster cables, a shovel, blankets, extra clothing and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.

Northwest Florida is also under an extreme cold warning

The NWS has also issued an extreme cold warning until 10 a.m. Wednesday in Northwest Florida. The warning says that dangerously cold wind chills as low as 4 degrees are possible, and could cause frostbite and hypothermia if unprotected skin is exposed to those temperatures.

Anyone who goes outside should dress in layers, including a hat, face mask and gloves.

An extended period of freezing temperatures could also cause ruptured water pipes. Wrap, drain or slow-drip pipes to prevent freezing.

Pets should be kept indoors and outdoor animals should have a warm and dry shelter with food and unfrozen water.

Pensacola weather forecast