Washington(The COW News Digital)A powerful winter storm caused widespread disruption in the US state of Michigan after a massive multi-vehicle collision involving more than 100 vehicles brought a major highway to a complete standstill. Authorities said at least 30 heavy trucks were among the vehicles involved in the chain-reaction crash, which occurred amid whiteout conditions and dangerously icy roads.
The accident took place on Interstate 196, where intense snowfall, strong winds, and poor visibility created hazardous driving conditions. The scale of the collision forced officials to shut down the motorway in both directions, leaving the roadway littered with overturned cars and jackknifed trucks.
Drone footage released by Fox Weather showed large sections of the highway completely covered in snow, with multiple vehicles skidded off the road and piled on top of one another. The visuals highlighted the severity of the storm and the challenges faced by emergency responders attempting to reach the scene.
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According to local authorities, wind speeds at the time of the crash reached up to 40 miles per hour, while more than a foot of snow had already allowed accumulated across the region. These conditions significantly reduced traction and visibility, making it nearly impossible for drivers to react in time once the initial collisions occurred.
Michigan State Police confirmed that several people were injured in the incident but said, fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far. Emergency crews worked for hours to assist the injured, clear damaged vehicles, and prevent further accidents along the affected stretch of highway.
Due to ongoing snowfall and blocked roads, dozens of motorists were stranded at the scene. Officials arranged for buses to transport trapped passengers to a nearby high school, where temporary shelter and basic assistance were provided until conditions improved.
The storm is part of a broader wave of extreme winter weather sweeping across large portions of the United States. Temperatures have dropped to dangerously low levels in several states, while snowfall has reached unusually far south. Rare snow was even reported in parts of the Florida Panhandle, drawing residents outdoors overnight to witness the uncommon sight.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for severe cold and snowstorms stretching from northern Minnesota through Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and into New York. Meteorologists caution that weather conditions could worsen in the coming days, urging residents to limit travel and follow safety advisories.
Authorities continue to emphasize caution, warning that winter storms of this magnitude can rapidly turn roads into life-threatening hazards.
