Hilo, HI – A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. HST Sunday for the Big Island summits, where light snow and icing continue to create hazardous travel and limited visibility, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu.
Forecasters say that additional snow accumulations up to one inch and light ice buildup are expected overnight across Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, as moisture lingers over the higher elevations. Occasional blowing snow could lead to zero visibility at times, especially for those traveling near summit roads.
“Travel could be very difficult,” the NWS warned Saturday evening, urging drivers and summit visitors to use extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel. Even small amounts of snow and ice can make roads extremely slick at high altitudes above 11,000 feet.
Conditions are expected to improve after sunrise Sunday as winds ease and temperatures slowly climb. However, forecasters note that light snow or frost could linger early in the morning before clearing.
This is the latest in a series of early winter-like weather events to affect Hawaii’s highest peaks this season, a reminder of how diverse and extreme the state’s microclimates can be.
