(WXMI) — Michigan State Police (MSP) reported multiple freeway crashes amid heavy snowfalls across Michigan Friday.
Before 4:50 p.m., 20–25 cars were involved in a pileup on southbound US-131 at Ravine Road, according to MSP. That's near Alamo Township. Roads are described as icy and slushy. We're told an MSP cruiser was hit while a trooper was responding to the crash, but officials say he is okay.
At 4:15 p.m, MSP reported a multi-vehicle crash north of Kalamazoo along northbound US-131. They say the crash is expected to impact traffic flow for a minimum of two hours. No one was seriously hurt. Motorists are urged to seek a different route.
Before 4 p.m., Calhoun County dispatchers announced the passing lane at eastbound I-94 near mile marker 112 was closed. Motorists were advised to seek an alternate route until around 5 p.m.
At around the same time, a crash closed the passing lane at southbound I-69 at mile marker 35, according to dispatchers. All lanes have since reopened but caution is advised.
Just after 2:30 p.m., the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office reported US-131 was closed in both directions at the 42 mile marker due to a crash involving more than 20 vehicles. The sheriff's office said some of those involved suffered injuries, but it's unclear how severe.
Earlier in the day, a total of 10 vehicles crashed southbound US-131 near Portage at around 11 a.m. Troopers say two semi-trucks and one box truck were involved. No one was hurt in that crash.
A crash on US-131 north of Dorr shut down the northbound lanes not long before. MSP says no one was hurt.
On I-94, whiteout conditions contributed to multiple crashes and slow-moving traffic, troopers say. We’re told no one was seriously hurt.
MSP advises all motorists to drive slowly and carefully through inclement weather.
Please slow down & drive safely everyone. Have a great weekend! pic.twitter.com/aboFaXKCJF
— MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) November 18, 2022
The Kent County Road Commission provided an update on where things stand on area roads and how they're preparing for the weekend.
@NWSGrandRapids forecasts another 3-8 inches to fall on Saturday and Saturday night, coupled with gusty winds. KCRC’s Jerry Byrne discusses what crews did today and will be doing tonight & the weekend to respond. If you have a weekend road emergency, like a downed tree,call 911. pic.twitter.com/xMvCJANzkQ
— Kent County Road Commission (@MIKCRC) November 18, 2022
READ MORE: Heavy lake effect snow through this weekend
