HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) — I-196 in the Hudsonville and Zeeland area reopened just before 6 p.m. after being closed for much of the day following a pileup of more than 100 cars, including dozens of semi-autos, authorities say, amid heavy snow and windy conditions Monday morning.
The highway was closed for nearly eight hours between exit 62 toward Hudsonville and exit 55 toward Zeeland, according to the Ottawa Sheriff’s Office. The accidents started around 10:20
Arctic air, lake effect snow will hit West Michigan
“Deputies were dispatched after receiving multiple reports of numerous crashes and slips in the area,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “The incident also involves several jackknife semi trucks.”
All those injured in the crash, about nine to 12 people, were taken to hospitals by 2 p.m., authorities said in a statement. No casualties were reported.
Photos: Over 100 cars involved in Hudsonville-area pileup
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Vehicles involved in estimated 100-car pile-up on I-196 between Hudsonville and Zeeland.
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Vehicles involved in estimated 100-car pile-up on I-196 between Hudsonville and Zeeland.
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Vehicles involved in estimated 100-car pile-up on I-196 between Hudsonville and Zeeland.
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Tow trucks on I-196 at 32nd Avenue on January 19, 2026.
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Traffic on I-196 at 32nd Avenue on January 19, 2026.
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Traffic on I-196 at 22nd Avenue on January 19, 2026.
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Authorities used buses to take several dozen stranded drivers to Hudsonville High School, where they were able to call for rides, reconnect with family members and keep warm.
The high school parking lot is being used as storage for the damaged vehicles while the owners organize repairs.
“Drivers are encouraged to avoid this portion of (I-196) and avoid travel entirely unless absolutely necessary,” the sheriff’s office said.
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Stranded drivers on I-196 reunite with family members and escape the cold at Hudsonville High School on January 19, 2026.
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Stranded drivers on I-196 reunite with family members and escape the cold at Hudsonville High School on January 19, 2026.
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Hudsonville High School prepares to host stranded drivers on January 19, 2026.
15 CAR PILEUP STOPS NB US-131
The northbound lanes of US-131 at West Main and the US-131 Business Loop have reopened after a series of car crashes shut it down for much of Monday, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office reported.
About 15 vehicles were involved in the crashes, including several semi-trucks tangled in a guardrail.
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Several semis and other vehicles crashed along northbound US-131 at West Main amid snowy and icy conditions, prompting authorities to close it. (Courtesy of KCSO)
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Several semis and other vehicles crashed along northbound US-131 at West Main amid snowy and icy conditions, prompting authorities to close it. (Courtesy of KCSO)
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Several semis and other vehicles crashed along northbound US-131 at West Main amid snowy and icy conditions, prompting authorities to close it. (Courtesy of KCSO)
Accidents throughout the morning
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids issued a warning to drivers, saying “travel is not advised” near and west of US-131 through Monday afternoon. Accidents, single lane closures and entire roads were reported throughout the day.
Snow conditions in Grand Rapids on January 19, 2026.
Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Warnings are in effect until Tuesday at 7 a.m. The heaviest snow is expected to fall by Monday morning, with rates tapering off after that. The most persistent snow will be along and west of US-131. Winds gusting over 30 mph will create substantial blowing and drift, leading to reduced visibility and, at times, whiteout conditions.
“Numbers of blackouts are being captured on (Michigan Department of Transportation) webcams on major interstates and highways this morning,” wrote NWS around 5:20 a.m. “Winds are picking up this morning and the risk of whiteouts will also increase.”
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As temperatures hover in the teens and continue to drop, road crews have been forced to change their strategy. Salt becomes less effective during extreme cold, so crews mix in sand to provide traction.
“The sand becomes the main part of the mix. It’s almost all sand with some fluids to cut it,” Steve Roon, director of maintenance for the Kent County Road Commission, told News 8. “We can go with over 1,000 pounds of sand per center mile so we can provide that traction on the tread where we can.”
The Kent County Road Commission says it will continue to revisit primary state and county roads on Monday to ensure they are passable. As conditions permit, crews will travel on local roads.
If you’re leaving, the road commission urges you to take it slow, keep your headlights on and give plenty of space to plows.
Closures and delays
Most schools in West Michigan are closed on Mondays. Many have already been closed in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, while others have called a snow day. For a complete list of closures, click here.
— News 8’s David Horak contributed to this report.
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