The Big Island is under a winter storm warning and, according to NOAA and other weather outlets, areas above 12,000 feet could receive as much as 30 inches of snow. The “Winter Storm Warning” is in effect until Saturday night with a “Winter Storm Watch” in effect until Sunday evening.
NOAA released this statement on its website: “DEEP TROPICAL MOISTURE UNDER AN UNSTABLE AIRMASS WILL BRING
HEAVY SNOW TO THE SUMMITS THROUGH THIS EVENING. A SECOND UPPER
TROUGH WILL PASS OVER THE STATE SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT BRINGING
POTENTIALLY ANOTHER ROUND OF HEAVY SNOW FOR THE SUMMITS.”
Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are expected to get the brunt of the storm, the Big Island’s volcanic mountains. According to the Weather Channel, the warning prompted officials to close parts of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is important to note that the snow level rarely, if ever, gets below 9,000 feet on the islands. But if you’re willing to drive, you might be able to do this:
