![Image combines a screen shot from a Mauna Kea webcam taken on an icy Sunday Dec. 20 with the National Weather Service warning map issued the same day.](https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2015-12-20weatherfeature.jpg)
Image combines a screen shot from a Mauna Kea webcam taken on an icy Sunday Dec. 20 with the National Weather Service warning map issued the same day.
HAWAII ISLAND – Hawaii is under a slew of weather warnings Sunday, as high surf and wind bear down on the state.
Hawaii Island is under a High Surf Warning, a High Wind Warning, a Winter Weather Advisory and a Wind Advsiory, while the waters just off the island are under a Gale Warning and a Small Craft Advisory.
The National Weather Service says “high pressure north-northeast of the islands will support trade winds over the islands for most of the next week.” Forecasters say winds will be especially strong and gusty through Monday.
Freezing rain and black ice will hit the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa under an ongoing Winter Weather Advisory. Less than 1/4 of an inch of ice is expected on roadways and surfaces. The Mauna Kea Access Road has already been closed at the Visitor Information Station. Maunakea Rangers say “there is thick ice on the roadway and the weather forecast predicts temperatures below freezing all day. Please note that ice cannot be plowed and only sunshine and warm temperatures get rid of ice. We do not know when the road will open.”
Mauna Loa Summit is also closed due to winter weather conditions. The National Park Service says Red Hill Cabin remains open for back country hiking/permits.
Kohala and Waikoloa could see wind gusts of 60 mph while under the High Wind Warning, in effect until 6 p.m. Monday.
The remainder of Hawaii Island is under a Wind Advisory, which means that sustained winds of at least 30 mph, or gusts of at least 50 mph are expected. The National Weather Service says “motorists should use extra caution. Outdoor christmas decorations should be secured, as well as lawn furniture and trash cans.”
Waves along windward shores could be as high as 15 feet, as a high Surf Warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Monday. “Buoy observations indicate wave heights are larger than expected over windward waters,” forecasters say.
by Big Island Video News3:11 pm
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STORY SUMMARY
HAWAII ISLAND: Hawaii is under a slew of weather warnings Sunday, as high surf and wind bear down on the state. The summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are closed.