HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (AP) — More than 100 cars crashed or slid off the interstate on Monday as Great Lakes-induced snow blanketed Michigan.
A massive pileup Monday morning prompted Michigan State Police to close both directions of Interstate 196 southwest of Grand Rapids near Hudsonville while officials worked to remove all vehicles, including more than 30 semitrucks. State police said several people were injured but no deaths were reported.
The accident is just the latest impact of winter storms sweeping the country. The National Weather Service issued warnings for the possibility of extremely cold temperatures or possible winter storms in several states, starting in northern Minnesota and extending south and east to Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.
A day earlier, snow fell as far away as the Florida Panhandle, making it harder for football players to catch the ball during the playoff games between Massachusetts and Chicago. Forecasters warned Monday that much of north-central Florida and southeast Georgia could see freezing temperatures overnight into Tuesday.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan said multiple crashes and semi-trailers were reported, as well as numerous cars sliding off the road. Trapped motorists were transported to Hudsonville High School where they could seek help or arrange a ride.
Officials expect the road to be closed for several hours during the cleanup.
