Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope on Mauna Kea at 9:23 a.m. Saturday (Feb 16). Image courtesy of CFHT

UPDATED (2/16/2013 at 5:42 PM)

By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a wind advisory for Ka‘u, Kohala, Saddle Road above 5,000 feet and Volcano areas until 6 p.m. Sunday (Feb 17). This includes the towns of Pahala, Hilo, Volcano, Honokaa, Waimea, Waikoloa and Brandshaw Airfield.

Winds are forecast to come from the East at 25-35 mph with localized gusts up to 50 mph. A high pressure system North of Hawaii is creating the gusty Easterly winds.

Winds this strong can bring down tree branches and make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Motorists should use caution while driving.

The Mauna Kea Access Road was closed this morning due to ice on roadways above the Visitor Information Station. Although the roadway was re-opened at 10 a.m. the National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter weather advisory for the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea above 8,000 feet from 8 p.m. this evening until 10 a.m. Sunday.

Freezing rain and ice on roadways with accumulations of light ice will make for hazardous driving conditions. Winds will be from the East at 10-20 mph with temperatures in the low 30s. Visibility is forecast to be less than 1/2 mile in fog.

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