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Aerial view of I-20 in Leeds area Jan. 29, 2014. (Tamika Moore / AL.com)
LEEDS, Alabama -- With traffic grinding to a halt on Interstate 20 at exit 140, more than 300 people got out of their cars, walked off the interstate and were driven by police and firefighters to shelters.
"The 140 exit is a parking lot," said Police Chief Byron Jackson. "It's gridlock."
Earlier today, Gov. Robert Bentley announced on Twitter I-20 in Leeds area is a priority situation. "Crews worked through night clearing roads, conditions made that difficult," the tweet read.
Among those taken to a shelter was an 18-month-old, Jackson said.
"People would just get out and sit in the grass and we just physically couldn't get to them," Jackson said.