With new reports of weather-related accidents and injuries coming in by the minute across southwest Michigan, officials have advised motorists to stay off the roads Friday.
A Twitter post from the Michigan State Police at 1 p.m. has requested everyone avoid I-94 from New Buffalo to Battle Creek in both directions until at least 4 p.m. due to multiple crashes and dangerous conditions.
Blizzard conditions are worsening. We need motorists to stay off I-94 both directions between (Berrien) New Buffalo & (Calhoun) Battle Creek until 4pm or later. Request only, not an order. Units need time to clear roadway of numerous crashes. Thank you. #stayhome https://t.co/ml12u8OCXQ
— MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) December 23, 2022
In Lincoln Township, MSP reported that a firefighter has been struck while conducting traffic control at a crash on eastbound I-94 at mile marker 23 after Red Arrow Highway. The highway is closed due to that incident, and his injuries are unknown.
Eastbound I-94 near mile marker #41 near Watervliet is also closed due to a crash involving nine semi-tractor trailers, according to MSP.
Footage of 9 semi tractor trailer crash; I-94 at mm #41, Watervliet Twp, Berrien County pic.twitter.com/6DvPw3Cvuw
— MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) December 23, 2022
More pileups involving semi trucks have been reported on I-94 in Benton Township near the U.S. 31 interchange. Here is a video from Chicago & Midwest Storm Chasers:
Another video from Storm Chaser Brandon Copic shows the wreckage near Exit 29:
The Cass County Road Commission announced it has stopped its plows with the following statement and video:
We have battled the blizzard winds but can no longer put the safety of our employees and the motoring public in harms way. We have to make the unfortunate call to park our plows for now. We plan to start again tomorrow. According to the Sheriff you should only be traveling if absolutely necessary and a travel advisory has been posted. We will continue to work with emergency services and respond through Cass County Central Dispatch. If you have an emergency please contact 269-445-1560. #stayput #staysafe
UPDATES
There have also been reports of a state police patrol vehicle being struck by another car on I-94 at mile marker 48, according to MSP. At 1 p.m., eastbound I-94 after U.S. 12 in southern Berrien County was closed due to a crash.
In Van Buren County, westbound I-94 after M-51 was reported closed at 2:15 p.m. due to a crash. Highway closures are also being reported in Allegan County on U.S. 31 and U.S. 131.
At 2:22 p.m., a freeway closure was reported on northbound U.S. 31 after Napier Avenue Exit 24.
Stay tuned to WSJM for more updates as they come in.
(Top image via MSP)
