VAN BUREN COUNTY, Michigan — Heavy snow along southwest Michigan's lakeshore communities is making for challenging travel conditions on I-196 and I-94 in Van Buren & Berrien Counties.
In the Kalamazoo area, Westbound I-94 is closed from Hartford through I-196, or from exit 46 to 34. Eastbound is closed from Watervliet through Hartford, or from exit 41 to 46, county leaders announced Monday afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids said they've recorded localized totals of 7 inches in Grand Haven and 12 inches near the shoreline around Port Sheldon in western Ottawa County.
Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren Counties.
The lakeshore communities should plan on difficult evening commutes with highly variable road conditions possible, especially the closer you get to the lake itself.
The Michigan State Police said a multi-vehicle crash on I-94 shut down both directions of traffic at the Hartford exit 46 around 1:20 p.m. Monday.
As many as 14 passenger cars and 3 semi trucks were involved in that wreck. One person suffered critical injuries.
At least 15 vehicle slide-offs were also reported separate from this crash.
MSP said driving too fast for the conditions was to blame with heavy blowing snow producing whiteout conditions.
It's not clear when the highway could reopen, and authorities are urging motorists to use alternate routes.
You can find current conditions and traffic restrictions on the Michigan Department of Transportation's Drive Map.