Hilo, Hawaii – Travel to the Big Island summits is becoming impossible this evening as heavy snow and 60 mph wind gusts slam elevations above 12,000 feet, triggering whiteout conditions within minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday, with up to 10 inches of snow expected across the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. A kona storm is driving the system, bringing intense snowfall and powerful winds through Sunday afternoon.
Blowing snow is expected to reduce visibility to near zero at times, especially along summit access roads where conditions can rapidly deteriorate. అధికారులు managing Mauna Kea access roads are likely to restrict or fully close routes as conditions worsen, with drifting snow and wind gusts creating dangerous exposure risks.
Officials strongly urge postponing any travel plans to the summits. Those in the area should be prepared for rapidly changing weather, including extreme cold, strong winds, and disorientation in whiteout conditions.
Conditions may begin to improve after 6 p.m. Sunday, but lingering impacts and closures could persist into the evening as crews assess road safety and visibility.
