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Hudsonville Today
By the People, for the People
Portion of I-196 Closed After Wind Blows Semi Into Ditch
Strong winds caused a semi to veer off the highway in Ottawa County, Michigan.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:48am
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A stretch of eastbound I-196 in Ottawa County, Michigan was shut down on Tuesday night after strong winds blew a semi pulling an empty trailer into the ditch. The 57-year-old driver told first responders that the heavy wind from the storm pushed the trailer, causing it and the semi to go off the road. The driver was not injured.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events like high winds can pose serious risks to drivers on the highway, leading to dangerous accidents and road closures that disrupt traffic and commerce. This incident highlights the need for safety precautions and preparedness when severe weather is expected.
The details
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office and Hudsonville City Fire responded to the accident around 9:15 p.m. west of mile marker 62 on eastbound I-196. Crews worked to remove the semi from the ditch, requiring a portion of the highway to be closed during the cleanup.
- The accident occurred around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
The players
Ottawa County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that responded to the accident scene.
Hudsonville City Fire
The fire department that responded to the accident scene.
57-year-old driver
The driver of the semi that was blown off the road by the strong winds.
What’s next
Crews will continue working to clear the semi from the ditch and reopen the closed portion of eastbound I-196.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the importance of driver safety and preparedness during severe weather conditions, as unexpected wind gusts can quickly lead to dangerous situations on the highway.
