Officials: Alabama Storm More Severe Than Expected

The ice and snow storm that hit Alabama was wider and more severe than some officials expected.

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange says the storm arrived earlier than expected and was more robust. That led to city officials closing all streets.

A state Department of Transportation spokesman says the department did not treat Birmingham-area roadways with salt and brine because the severe ice was supposed to hit 100 miles farther south.

Spokesman Tony Harris says Birmingham-area schools and businesses had planned to stay open, but when the weather worsened, they closed suddenly. That filled untreated highways with cars as the worst of the storm was arriving.

Harris said the department is towing abandoned cars off Interstate 20 to clear it, and car owners can call 205-382-5820 for information about their vehicles.

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