HAWAII – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Blizzard Warning for Big Island summits above the 11,000 feet elevation. The new warning, in effect until 6 a.m. HST Thursday, replaces the Winter
Storm Warning previously in effect.

A Blizzard Warning means “severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring,” forecasters exlpain. “Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.”

New snowfall amounts of 6 to 10 inches are expected for the tops of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with locally higher amounts. The summits of both mountains are currently closed to travelers.

Severe thunderstorms are impacting the entire state this morning. Oahu and Kauai are both under a Flash Flood Warning as of 7 a.m., and all islands are under a Flash Flood Watch.

The Big Island is also being impacted at lower elevations. This morning, the Hawaii County Police Department reported Highway 11 near mm 93 in South Kona was closed due to fallen trees caused by high winds. Expect delays.