Winter weather advisory issued for Big Island summits

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The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter weather advisory for Big Island summits through Thursday morning.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter weather advisory for Big Island summits through Thursday morning.

Layered moisture moving over the Big Island from the southeast will combine with an upper-level trough to produce heavy snow showers this afternoon and evening, according to forecasters. Forecasters expect about an inch of snow to fall this afternoon. An additional 2 to 3 inches of snow is expected to fall tonight.

The service forecast south winds of 40 to 65 mph with localized gusts reaching 75 mph. Temperatures are expected to be in the lower 30s.

The Mauna Kea Access Road was closed at the Visitor Information Station as of Wednesday morning. Visit the Mauna Kea Weather Center’s road conditions page for the most recent information.

A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties, according to the service, which cautioned drivers to be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility.