I wouldn’t plan on any kind of travel from Tuesday night through the day Wednesday, no matter what kind of messy wintry mix we get.

With the chances of a historic Florida snow or ice storm inching upward, forecasters may issue a rare winter storm watch for a region more accustomed to squall lines and tropical threats.

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.

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.

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.