A winter storm warning is in effect for the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea summits, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Up to 6 inches of snow is forecast to fall before the warning ends at noon today.
Deep moisture is continuing to combine with an upper-level low that will result in heavy snow accumulation for summits above 11,000 feet in elevation, forecasters said.
The service forecast east winds of 10 to 15 mph. Temperatures are expected to be in the lowers 30s.
The Mauna Kea Access Road remained closed as of 7:15 a.m. Wednesday because of drifting snow and ice, according to the Mauna Kea Weather Center. The current temperature at the summit is 23.9 degrees.
A winter storm warning means significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations are expected that may impact travel. The service cautioned that visibility is as low as one mile.