A blizzard warning has been issued for the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea summits above 11,000 feet in elevation through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Up to a foot of snow is forecast to fall.
Developing low pressure aloft over the state is generating very strong winds across the summits of the Big Island. These winds will increase through the day and remain elevated through Wednesday. The low is also producing a band of deep moisture over the eastern end of the state. Some snow showers have already occurred on the Big Island’s summits and as moisture increases Tuesday periods of heavy snow are expected that could lead to dangerous conditions.
The service forecast south winds around 45 to 65 mph with gusts topping 90 mph.
Temperatures at the summit are expected to be in the upper 20 to lower 30s on Tuesday. Visibility during snow showers could near as low as a quarter-mile.
The Mauna Kea Weather Center on Tuesday afternoon reported the summit road was closed because of pathy ice and snow.
“Overnight, a couple of inches of fresh snow fell on the summit cinder cones above 13,000 feet, but it’s now enough to ski or snowboard. There are rocks clearly visible everywhere,” the center said.
A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibility can be expected that may lead to whiteout conditions that can make travel very dangerous. The service cautioned that conditions may be extremely hazardous and potentially life threatening and urged people to avoid travel to the area. If people must travel, the service advises having a survival kit and to stay within a vehicle should someone become stranded.