The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter weather advisory for Big Island summits through 6 p.m. Tuesday. Up to two inches of snow is expected to fall.
Forecasters said deep moisture will combine with an upper-level disturbance bringing winter weather to summits areas above to 11,000-foot elevation of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. The service noted both freezing rain and snow are possible.
The service forecast west winds of 40 to 60 mph with gusts topping 70 mph. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 20s to lower 30s.
The Mauna Kea Access Road was open as of 8:35 a.m. Tuesday.
A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties, according to the service, which cautioned drivers to be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility. During times of heavy snow, visibility may be reduced to zero, forecasters warned.