EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso residents woke up to a winter wonderland as snow blanketed the area early Sunday morning.

The rare snowfall, which began around 7:30 a.m., brought excitement and joy to many across the Borderland.

One resident shared his surprise, saying, “Honestly, I woke up to this one saying, ‘It’s snowing outside!’ So me and my brother-in-law wake up and we go to the back door and we’re like, ‘Wow.'”

He added that it was the first time he had seen snow since his release from prison on Jan. 1.

Families took advantage of the snowy conditions, heading to local parks for snowball fights and building snowmen in their backyards.

“We’re playing with the snow. We’re having a fight right now. And we’re about to do a snowman,” said one enthusiastic participant.

RELATED: Heavy snow and downed trees leave over 2,000 Ruidoso residents without power

Another resident expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m wearing like five different shirts and this puffy jacket. I’m so excited because I’m making like, a snowman in my backyard.”

Despite the snow beginning to melt, cold temperatures are expected to persist.

Many residents are preparing by layering up and staying alert for potential school delays or closures.

Drivers are also taking precautions on the roads.

“We’re driving slow. We’re making sure the car’s heated up so we’re not driving with like a snowy windshield,” one resident explained.

Another noted the presence of ice, saying, “There’s ice a lot, one of the bridges, I mean it does have a sign, but yeah, you can definitely skid.”

While the snow may not last long, the experience has left a lasting impression on the community.

Residents are advised to drive cautiously and be mindful of icy roadways as they navigate the wintery conditions.

RELATED: List: Delays or closures for Monday due to weather

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