High wind warning issued for Big Island summits

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A high wind warning has been issued for the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits through 6 a.m. Saturday.

A high wind warning has been issued for the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits through 6 a.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu forecast west winds of 35 mph to 44 mph with higher gusts for areas above 8,000 feet in elevation.

The Mauna Kea Access Road was closed as of 8:09 p.m. Friday at the Visitor Information Station because of high winds, according to the Mauna Kea Weather Center. The current temperature at the summit is 34.8 degrees.

A high wind warning means that winds at the summit are expected to be at least 56 mph with gusts topping 60 mph, according to the service. The service cautioned that travel to the summit should be delayed until winds subside.