Honolulu, Hawaii – A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Big Island summits through Monday evening, with heavy snowfall and dangerous travel conditions expected, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
The National Weather Service said the warning applies to elevations above 11,000 feet on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa from 6 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. HST Monday. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 16 inches are forecast during this period, driven by a disturbance aloft interacting with abundant moisture over the region.
Southerly winds are expected to gust as high as 45 mph at summit level, creating areas of blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility. The weather service warned that periods of near-zero visibility are possible at times, particularly during heavier snowfall.
According to the weather service, travel could become very difficult to impossible. Summit access roads may become snow-covered and hazardous, and whiteout conditions could develop quickly. Any travel plans to the Big Island summits during the warning period are strongly discouraged.
Blowing snow combined with strong winds may lead to rapidly changing conditions, even for experienced drivers. Emergency response could be delayed due to the severity of conditions at high elevations.
The National Weather Service emphasized that a Winter Storm Warning indicates significant snow and wind impacts capable of making travel unsafe or impossible. Conditions are expected to remain hazardous throughout Sunday and persist into Monday evening before gradually improving.
Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed through official National Weather Service updates and to postpone all non-essential travel to summit areas until the warning expires.
The warning highlights the rare but dangerous nature of winter weather at Hawaii’s highest elevations and underscores the need for caution during this prolonged storm event.
