High wind warning extended for Big Island summits

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A high wind warning has been extended for the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits through 6 p.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu forecast west winds of 50 mph to 60 mph with higher gusts for areas above 8,000 feet in elevation.

The Mauna Kea Access Road was closed as of 6:32 a.m. Saturday at the Visitor Information Station because of sustained winds between 60 mph and 70 mph, according to the Mauna Kea Weather Center. The current temperature at the summit is 35.1 degrees.

A high wind warning means that winds at the summit are expected to be at least 56 mph with gusts topping 60 mph, according to the service. The service cautioned that travel to the summit should be delayed until winds subside.