Call 935-6268 to get the latest public road conditions and snow report. For more information, visit prh.noaa.gov/hnl or mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu.
Storms this weekend blanketed Mauna Kea summit with 3 to 4 inches of new snow, and more winter weather is expected.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday for Big Island summits, where periods of freezing rain and snow are predicted today, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Several web cameras on Mauna Kea’s summit showed snow on the ground this morning.
Snow removal crews cleared the Mauna Kea Access Road, which reopened early this morning. However, Mauna Kea rangers advised motorists to use caution when traveling to the summit because there are still small patches of ice and snow on the roads.
They also said four-wheel drive vehicles are needed to access the 14,000-foot summit, where visitors should stay away from observatories, domes and other structures because of the possibility of falling ice.
All visitors should prepare themselves for severe weather, as well as stop at the Visitor Information Station at the 9,000-foot elevation to learn about the health hazards, weather predictions and driving tips.
“A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties,” according to the National Weather Service. “Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility, and use caution while driving.”
Call 935-6268 to get the latest public road conditions and snow report. For more information, visit prh.noaa.gov/hnl or mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu.