High wind warning issued for Big Island summits

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A high wind warning is in effect for the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits through noon today.

A high wind warning is in effect for the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits through noon today.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu forecast northwest winds of 30 mph to 55 mph with gusts topping 70 mph for areas above 8,000 feet in elevation.

The Mauna Kea Access Road is currently closed at the Visitor Information Station because of the high winds, according to the Mauna Kea Weather Center. The current temperature at the summit is 34.3 degrees.

A high wind warning means that winds at the summit are expected to be at least 56 mph with gusts topping 66 mph, according to the service. The service cautioned that travel to the summit should be delayed until winds subside.