Helicopters Being Used to Look for Stranded Drivers in Birmingham

State helicopters are searching the Birmingham area for people stranded along icy Alabama roadways.

A spokeswoman for the Alabama Department of Public Safety says three of its helicopters are involved in the effort. The first helicopter lifted off at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

A band of severe sleet and ice hit farther north than initially forecast, leaving motorists stranded on Jefferson and Shelby County roadways Tuesday night. Police transported some motorists to shelters, while others abandoned their cars and walked.

The National Weather Service says temperatures in Birmingham are hovering around 16 degrees, which means icy road conditions will remain.

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1/29/2014 10:07:46 AM (GMT -6:00)