HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (AP) — More than 100 vehicles collided or veered off Interstate 196 on Monday in Michigan as a winter storm intensified, spilling snow across the state.
The substantial pileup, which occurred in the morning, led the Michigan State Police to shut down both lanes of the interstate just southwest of Grand Rapids. The cleanup took significant effort, with over 30 semitrailers among the stranded vehicles. Though many injuries were reported, thankfully, no fatalities occurred.
This incident is just one consequence of the sweeping winter weather that has been impacting large portions of the Midwest and beyond. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for dangerously cold temperatures and winter storm conditions across multiple states, from northern Minnesota stretching down to Florida.
On Sunday, snow reached as far south as the Florida Panhandle, complicating outdoor activities, including playoff football games in cities like Massachusetts and Chicago. By Monday evening, forecasters warned of possible freezing temperatures in parts of north-central Florida and southeast Georgia.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s office noted multiple incidents of vehicles jack-knifing and various cars sliding off the road. Bobbing stranded motorists were transported to Hudsonville High School, where they had access to communication channels for assistance and to arrange transportation home. Local authorities anticipate prolonged closures as they navigate the recovery efforts.
