The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a high wind warning for the Big Island summits through 6 a.m. Wednesday. The Mauna Kea Access Road is closed.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a high wind warning for the Big Island summits through 6 a.m. Wednesday. The Mauna Kea Access Road is closed.
The service forecast southwest to west winds of 40 mph to 60 mph with gusts reaching 70 mph. The warning was prompted by an upper-level trough located near the island that will bring winds to the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea summits, forecasters said.
The Mauna Kea Weather Center said the Mauna Kea Access Road was closed above the Visitor Information Station because of the high winds. The current temperature at the summit is 30 degrees.
The service cautioned that winds this strong can cause property damage and making driving difficult. Travel to the summit should be delayed until the winds subside.
A high wind warning means that sustained winds are expected to be at least 55 mph with gusts reaching 65 mph at the summit, according to the service.