The heavy snowstorm hitting the United States has already created difficult scenes on the roads. Specifically, in Michigan, authorities are still working to clear the roads after a multi-vehicle accident involving up to 100 vehicles on a snow-covered highway in the northern part of the state. Trucks and other vehicles collided on Interstate 196 on Monday morning, causing several cars to skid off the road. Police have reported numerous injuries in the accident but have clarified that there are no fatalities.
The National Weather Service (NWS) indicated that “snow and blizzards” are expected
As has been reported, adverse weather is affecting much of the country. On Monday, authorities urged drivers to reduce their speed due to treacherous weather conditions, as a winter storm continues to dump snow on the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) indicated that “snow and blizzards” are expected, with snow accumulations from the storm reaching up to 35.5 centimeters in southwestern and west-central Michigan. Heavy snowfall, gusty winds, and reduced visibility were precisely the factors that led to the closure of Interstate 196, according to local media reports. The forecast for the coming hours is not expected to improve; in fact, temperatures are predicted to drop as low as -22 degrees Celsius.
The accident involved between 30 and 40 trucks that blocked the interstate
Winter conditions are extreme in the northernmost parts of the country, although a significant drop in temperatures and possible storms and even snow are also expected in the southern states. At the exact moment of the accident, wind gusts of between 40 and 64 km/h were recorded, and visibility was reduced to barely 400 meters. In fact, according to the official statement from the NWS, “Travel in the area is not recommended.” In certain areas, there was “whiteout”—that is, snow blown by the wind further hampered visibility and driving. The accident involved between 30 and 40 trucks that blocked the interstate, a situation that ultimately caused chaos and resulted in the highway remaining closed for several hours afterward.
This phenomenon occurs when a mass of very cold air moves over a relatively warm body of water
As many know, one of the consequences of snow on the roads is ice. Therefore, it is essential to strictly follow expert recommendations, as carrying snow chains is a priority in these situations, as is understanding the appropriate driving techniques for these weather conditions. It’s worth noting that the accident involved reports of multiple skidding incidents, which ultimately resulted in a chain-reaction crash that, fortunately, did not result in any fatalities. It all began on Monday morning with heavy snowfall and a lake effect. This phenomenon, more common in areas with frequent snowfall, occurs when a mass of very cold air moves over a relatively warm body of water, becomes saturated with moisture, and becomes highly unstable. This instability can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
“Hudsonville Public Schools and MAX Transit buses are being used to transport stranded drivers from the incident” – Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office
The accident was so severe that hundreds of vehicles were caught in the resulting traffic jam. Local media reported that authorities had to close the freeway between exits 55 and 62. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office stated, “Hudsonville Public Schools and MAX Transit buses are being used to transport stranded drivers from the incident site to Hudsonville High School. Once at the school, they can request assistance or schedule transportation to pick them up from the school cafeteria.” It’s worth noting that the cooperation of drivers was essential to clearing the area. Everyone, including the injured, remained in their vehicles until they were evacuated and taken to the assistance operation. This serves as an example of what can happen with a storm like the one currently affecting much of the country, so once again, extreme caution is urged.