A terrifying chain-reaction crash involving more than 100 vehicles shut down a major Michigan interstate on Monday, January 19, 2026. Driven by intense lake-effect snow and “whiteout” conditions, the pileup on I-196 near Hudsonville and Zeeland serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly winter weather can turn deadly.
The Scene on I-196
The crash occurred Monday morning southwest of Grand Rapids. According to the Michigan State Police and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the pileup involved:
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100+ vehicles, including passenger cars and over 30 semi-trucks.
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Zero fatalities, a detail officials are calling “miraculous.”
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9 to 12 injuries reported, with victims transported to local hospitals.
Survivors described the scene as a wall of white. Driver Pedro Mata Jr. shared that visibility was so poor he could barely see the cars in front of him despite traveling at only 20–25 mph. After stopping safely, he chose to pull into the median to avoid the “bangs and booms” of vehicles colliding behind him.
A Cross-Country Winter Blast
This Michigan incident is part of a larger, high-impact winter storm system moving across the United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for several states, including:
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Midwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio.
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Northeast: Pennsylvania and New York.
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South: Freezing temperatures reached the Florida Panhandle and southeast Georgia.
The storm also impacted major sporting events, with snow falling during NFL playoff games in both Massachusetts and Chicago over the weekend.
Safety Guide: How to Survive a Whiteout
When lake-effect snow hits, visibility can drop to zero in seconds. Here are the essential safety tips from the Michigan State Police for driving in these conditions:
| Action | What to Do |
| Speed | Slow down gradually. Do not slam on your brakes, as this causes pileups. |
| Lights | Keep your headlights on. Do not use high beams, which reflect off the snow. |
| Distance | Double or triple your following distance behind the car in front. |
| If You Crash | Stay inside your vehicle. It is your safest shelter from other oncoming traffic. |
| Visibility | If you cannot see, exit the highway entirely. Avoid stopping on the shoulder. |
Winter Emergency Kit Essentials
If you must travel during a storm, ensure your car is stocked with:
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Warmth: Extra blankets, gloves, and hats.
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Tools: An ice scraper, small shovel, and sand/kitty litter for traction.
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Power: A portable phone charger.
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Safety: Road flares or reflectors and a first-aid kit.
The cleanup on I-196 took nearly eight hours, with local towing companies working in sub-zero wind chills to clear the wreckage. As this storm continues its path east, authorities are urging all residents to check local weather forecasts and delay travel whenever possible.
