webcam image taken Sunday afternoon by UH/UKIRT

UPDATE (Jan. 28) – A High Wind Warning has been issued for Hawaiʻi Island summits, however rangers report that the Mauna Kea Access Road is open at this time.

A Wind Advisory has also been issued for much of the Big Island on Monday.

(BIVN) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Wind Advisory for Hawaiʻi Island summits until 6 a.m. HST Tuesday.

The access road to the summit of Mauna Kea was closed to the public on Sunday afternoon at the Visitor Information Station “due to deteriorating weather conditions to include hail and snowfall on the summit, possible fog and ice, high humidity and high winds in excess of 50 miles per hour.”

Rangers say they will continue to monitor road and weather conditions on the mountain.

Weather forecasters expect to see west to northwest winds at 45 to 55 mph with gusts to 65 mph tonight, shifting to the north and potentially becoming stronger on Monday. Forecasters said the Wind Advisory may need to be upgraded to a High Wind Warning on Monday.

“Motorists, especially those in high profile vehicles, are urged to drive with caution. Winds this strong can forcefully slam doors,” the National Weather Service stated.