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Storm warning for isle summits; access road closed

(Photo courtesy of Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope)

Hawaii 24/7 Staff

A winter storm warning goes into effect at midnight for Big Island summits, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

Up to 6 inches of snow is forecast before the warning ends at 6 a.m. Friday.

A cold low in the middle atmosphere moving over the island will support snow showers and thunderstorms, according to forecasters.

Snow showers and heavier snow squalls could lead to rapid accumulations of snow at the summits above 12,000 feet in elevation.

The heavier bursts of snow may be accompanied by gusty winds and lightning.

The service forecast southeast winds of 10 to 20 mph. Temperatures are expected to be in the 20s and 30s.

The Mauna Kea Access Road remains closed to the public at the Visitor Information Station due to ice on the roadway. Rangers will conduct road inspections at first light and determine whether it is safe to re-open the road.

A winter storm warning means significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations are expected that may impact travel. The service cautioned that visibility may be near zero at times.

Check out the Mauna Kea summit cameras: www.hawaii247.com/weather/

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