While it's not clear what impact a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow may have on the capital city, officials say now is the time to begin preparations.

It’s not every day that snow makes the headlines in Florida, but today, residents of North Florida are preparing for a rare brush with winter weather.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tallahassee has issued a very rare Winter Storm Watch for all of the Big Bend and South Georgia. The watch goes into effect Tuesday afternoon and will run through Wednesday morning. But the watch could be upgraded to a warning as we get closer to Tuesday.

Preparations are underway from Houston to Atlanta as a rare winter storm sets its sights on the southern U.S., where it's expected to bring a messy mix of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain that could have a major impact on travel and daily life.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for parts of northern and northeast Florida, as well as southeast Georgia, effective from late Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon.

Snow, freezing rain and ice can make streets impassable and even knock out power. Here's a look at what to do before freezing temperatures arrive and how to stay safe in the cold.