(BIVN) – High winds in excess of 90 mph with gusts at times exceeding 113 mph, according to rangers, were measured over the summit of Mauna Kea on Saturday.
A High Wind Warning is in effect, and the access road to the summit of the mountain is closed at the 9,200 foot Visitor Information Station.
Maunakea rangers say summit conditions also include fog, high humidity, and below freezing temperatures.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu said the warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday, and wind gusts of 95 mph are expected. Travel to the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa “will be difficult or dangerous,” forecasters said.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park said the summit of Mauna Loa remains closed beyond Red Hill Cabin due to the high wind conditions.
For the lower elevations, a Special Weather Statement was issued at 6:38 p.m. HST, reporting “a line of heavy showers will move ashore from Kailua-Kona to Kawaihae through 7:30 PM HST. Wind gusts up to 35 to 45 mph will be possible as this line of showers moves ashore.”
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense issued an updated audio alert, saying that, should winds affect lower elevations, residents are advised to “treat any down utilities lines as live and stay clear and notify authorities,” and “consider taking down canopy tents and securing loose items.”
The National Weather Service says an “out of season cold front is moving eastward down the island chain through the evening,” adding that “instability associated this front and a potent upper low dropping south toward the islands along with plenty of moisture will bring the potential for heavy showers, gusty winds, and possibly a few thunderstorms through the evening.”
“Drier and cooler northwest winds will fill in behind the front tonight through Monday, with trade winds unlikely to make a return until Thursday,” forecasters say.
by Big Island Video News8:20 pm
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STORY SUMMARY
MAUNA KEA, Hawaiʻi - The Mauna Kea Access Road is closed to the public at the Visitor Information Station due to high winds in excess of 90 mph and gusting to over 100 mph, at times exceeding 113 mph, rangers say.