Over 100 vehicles involved in I-196 pileup during dangerous snowy conditions in Michigan, injuries reported
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the crash happened amid heavy lake-effect snow. Heavy blowing snow was reported with visibility down to just a quarter-mile and winds gusting between 25-40 mph.
Dangerous winter conditions cause 100-plus vehicle pileup in Michigan
BREAKING: Drone video shows a massive 100+ vehicle pileup in Michigan with injuries reported amid dangerous winter conditions. Stay with FOX Weather for the latest information:
ZEELAND, Mich. – A major multi-vehicle pileup shut down part of Interstate 196 southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan amid heavy lake-effect snow Monday morning. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office told FOX Weather that nine to 12 people are injured, but no fatalities have been reported.
Deputies on scene initially estimated roughly 100 vehicles were involved in the pileup, the Sheriff's Office said. Drone video of the scene showed at least six tractor-trailers in one section of the crash.
This graphic shows what conditions were like at the time of the crash. (FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
Michigan State Police said between 30 and 40 semi trucks were involved.
The chain-reaction pileup began around 10:19 a.m. local time, the county sheriff's office said.
A major multi-vehicle pileup shut down part of Interstate 196 southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan Monday morning. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office told FOX Weather that minor injuries were reported but no fatalities. (Chicago Midwest & Midwest Storm Chasers)
I-196 is closed between Zeeland and Hudsonville, specifically from Exits 55 to 62, and drivers are encouraged to stay away from the area.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the crash happened amid heavy lake-effect snow. Heavy blowing snow was reported with visibility down to just a quarter-mile and winds gusting between 25 and 40 mph.
100+ vehicle pileup in Michigan after a heavy lake-effect snowstorm impacts the region
On the ground footage shows a massive 100+ vehicle pileup on Interstate 196 in Michigan amid hazardous winter conditions. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s office say no fatalities have been reported yet, just minor injuries. Stay with FOX Weather for the latest information:
Some drivers were stranded at the scene and were instructed to remain inside their vehicles until they could be bussed to Hudsonville High School, the sheriff's office said.
The FOX Forecast Center said snow was falling along Interstate I-196 at the time of the initial crash on Monday morning.
Michigan DOT camera near the site of Monday morning's 100+ vehicle pileup (Michigan DOT)
Temperatures were hovering in the low teens. The highway will remain closed for several hours until all drivers have been evacuated and wreckage cleared from the road.
LIVE UPDATES: ROUGHLY 100-CAR PILEUP IN MICHIGAN DURING HEAVY LAKE-EFFECT SNOW, BLINDING VISIBILITY
Michigan State Police are advising drivers to slow down and described road conditions as treacherous.
"Blowing winds and blinding snow are creating dangerous travel conditions. Driving beyond your ability increases the risk of serious crashes," police said on X.
Analysis from the FOX Forecast Center reveals just how challenging driving conditions were at the time of Monday morning's multi-car pileup in western Michigan.
Nearby weather observation sites reported visibilities under 1/2 mile along Interstate 196 at the time of the initial crash, which the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office says was around 10:19 a.m. CT.
The limited visibility, a result of heavy lake-effect snow, was likely a factor in the 100+ vehicle pileup. That snow was also being blown around by 20 to 30 mph winds, creating whiteout conditions for drivers in the area.
Check back for updates on this developing story.