Joint Astronomy Centre animation. December 24, 2014

The National Weather Service has extended the blizzard Warning for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa above 11,500 feet until 6 a.m. Thursday (Dec 25).

Hazards are strong winds and bitterly cold wind chills on the summits along with heavy snow, blowing and drifting snow and possible lightning strikes. Snow may accumulate up to two inches.

Winds are from the Southwest at 40-55 mph with localized gusts over 80 mph with temperatures in the upper 20s.

The Mauna Kea Access Road is closed due to these high wind conditions making driving harzardous.

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

National Weather Service Map