HUDSONVILLE, Michigan: Heavy snowfall led to a massive pile-up off an interstate in Michigan on January 19, after more than 100 vehicles smashed into each other.

The pileup prompted the Michigan State Police to close both directions of Interstate 196 just southwest of Grand Rapids. Officials worked to remove all the vehicles, including more than 30 semitrailer trucks. The State Police said while there were no fatalities reported, there were numerous injuries.

Pedro Mata Jr. said he could barely see the cars in front of him as the snow blew across the road while driving 20 to 25 mph before the crash. He was able to stop his pickup safely, but then decided to pull his truck off the road into the median to avoid being rear-ended.

"It was a little scary just listening to everything, the bangs and booms behind you. I saw what was in front of me. I couldn't see what was behind me exactly," Mata said.

The crash is the latest problem caused by a big winter storm moving across the country. The National Weather Service warned that many states could face freezing weather or winter storms, from northern Minnesota down and east through Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

The day before, snow reached as far south as the Florida Panhandle and even affected football games in Massachusetts and Chicago, making it hard for players to hold the ball. Weather experts also warned that very cold temperatures could hit much of north-central Florida and southeast Georgia overnight.

In Michigan, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office said there were many crashes, including large trucks that jackknifed and cars that slid off the road. People who were stuck were taken by bus to Hudsonville High School, where they could call for help or find a ride.

Officials said the road would likely stay closed for several hours while crews cleaned up.

A towing company, Grand Valley Towing, sent more than 12 trucks to remove the stranded vehicles. Other towing companies also helped, despite the extreme cold.

A manager said they were working as fast as possible to clear the vehicles so the road could reopen.