Winter has arrived in Hawaii, at least on the upper parts of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Check out the webcam photo of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter storm warning for the summits of Hawaii’s Big Island as wind and snow engulf the high peaks.
A webcam on Mauna Loa showing snowfall on December 2, 2016. (NOAA)
The Warning Reads as follows:
Winter Storm Warning for Big Island summits remains in effect.
An upper level low combined with a surge of deep moisture…will result in bursts of heavy snow across the big island summits above 11000 feet through Saturday afternoon.
Big Island Summits- including the city of…Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea above 8,000 feet 4:20 am HST Fri Dec 2, 2016.
Winter Storm Warning now in effect until 6 pm HST Saturday.
- Locations…big island summits above 11000 feet.
- Hazard types…heavy snow…low visibility and wind.
- Accumulations…new accumulations of 20 to 30 inches today through Saturday.
- Timing…through Saturday afternoon.
- Impacts…dangerous driving and hiking conditions due to heavy snow…blowing and drifting snow and freezing fog.
- Winds…south 10 to 20 mph with higher gusts.
- Temperatures…mid 20s to lower 30s.
- Visibilities…below one quarter mile at times.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow… Sleet…and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.