A high wind warning has been extended for the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits through 6 a.m. Tuesday. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has canceled a winter storm warning for the summits and a high surf advisory for Hawaii Island’s west-facing shores.
The service forecast west winds of 55 mph to 60 mph with gusts topping 80 mph for areas above 8,000 feet in elevation.
The Mauna Kea Access Road was closed as of 7:05 p.m. Monday at the Visitor Information Station because of high winds and deep snow, according to the Mauna Kea Weather Center. The current temperature at the summit was 24.5 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.