Photo of Mauna Kea summit area showing the UH 0.6m telescope on the left and the UK Infrared Telescope on the right. Image by UH-Hilo webcam taken at 6:30 a.m. Monday (Feb 18).

By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a wind advisory until 6 p.m. this evening for the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea above 8,000 feet.

Winds are from the Northeast at 20-30 mph with localized gusts over 40 mph.

The strong winds can make driving difficult especially for high profile vehicles. Motorists should use caution while driving.

Mauna Kea summit access road was closed Monday morning above the Visitor Information Station due to slippery conditions from snow accumulation and continuing rainfall.

For updated information on summit road conditions visit: http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/road-conditions/

Mauna Kea summit area. Image by UK Infrared Telescope webcam.