A winter storm warning for the summits and upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa was canceled during the weekend but a high wind advisory remains in effect until at least noon today, according to the National Weather Service.
A winter storm warning for the summits and upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa was canceled during the weekend but a high wind advisory remains in effect until at least noon today, according to the National Weather Service.
The summit of Mauna Kea received several inches of snow during the weekend, but it appeared to be melting by Monday afternoon in images from webcams posted online by the Mauna Kea Weather Center. Some areas of the summit appeared to be foggy.
National Weather Service forecaster Henry Lau said Monday the wind was “blowing pretty good up there,” but the “thick clouds that cause the snows have considerably lessened.”
“The temperature up there is just above freezing … so with the wind chill, it’s going to be cold up there,” Lau said.
At 5 p.m., the wind at the summit of Mauna Kea was roaring from the southwest at 62 mph with the temperature at 32 degrees, the temperature at which water freezes.
Mauna Kea Access Road remained closed to the public above the Visitor Information Station at the 9,200-foot elevation level because of ice, snow and almost freezing temperatures.
“An afternoon inspection was conducted by the rangers, and the following conditions were found: dense fog and poor visibility — 50 feet on the summit ridge,” the Mauna Kea Support Services recorded telephone message stated Monday afternoon. “All roads are wet and (have) potential for ice-over, with less tire traction. Snow removal crews are clearing the solid snow and ice off the roadways.”
Today is forecast to be a sunny day at the summit, but the winds are forecast to continue, with westerly winds from 45-50 mph and gusts of up to 65 mph. A high temperature of about 35 degrees is expected. Winds should be calmer tonight but still gusty.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.