Honolulu, HI – A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Big Island summits as an upper-level low moves over Hawaii, bringing a rare mix of snow and freezing rain to the state’s highest peaks. The advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Forecasters say the storm system will bring 3 to 5 inches of snow and up to one-tenth of an inch of ice to summit areas, including Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. As moisture increases overnight, conditions at high elevations may become hazardous, with blowing snow reducing visibility to near zero at times.
Travel to and around summit access roads could be very difficult, and authorities are urging drivers and visitors to use caution and avoid unnecessary trips.
The cold system is expected to lift westward by Sunday morning, bringing a gradual improvement in weather conditions for the Big Island. However, forecasters note that additional advisories could be issued if freezing temperatures persist.
