Big Isle summits under winter weather advisory, Mauna Kea Access Road closed

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The road to the summit of Mauna Kea is closed following a National Weather Service-issued winter weather advisory for Big Island summits until 4 p.m.

The road to the summit of Mauna Kea is closed following a National Weather Service-issued winter weather advisory for Big Island summits until 4 p.m.

The service forecast 1/2 inch of snow and light ice above the 12,500-foot elevation of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. The advisory also warned of freezing fog and snow-covered roads.

The Mauna Kea Access Road is closed at the visitor information station and will remain closed until conditions improve, according to the service. Visibility is limited to about a half-mile.

The service also noted that hiking and driving to the summit will be hazardous and advises postponing travel to the summits until conditions improve. The current temperature is 31 degrees.