Hilo, Hawaii – Whiteout conditions and accumulating snow are making travel nearly impossible atop the Big Island tonight, with hazardous conditions intensifying through the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for elevations above 12,000 feet until 6 a.m. Monday. A kona low is driving heavy snow and strong winds across the summits, with up to 3 inches of additional accumulation and gusts reaching 35 mph.
Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits face the most severe impacts, where blowing snow is expected to reduce visibility to near zero at times. ճանապարհ conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, especially along summit access roads where drifting snow and wind gusts will create dangerous conditions.
Officials warn that any travel plans to the summits should be postponed. նույնիսկ experienced drivers may encounter sudden visibility loss and impassable ճանապարհ stretches overnight.
While these პირობები are confined to the highest elevations, the storm system highlights the volatility of weather across Hawaii’s terrain.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after 6 a.m. Monday as winds ease and snowfall tapers, though additional advisories could be issued if impacts linger.
