Mauna Kea Summit Gets Some Snow
The Maunakea and Mauna Loa summits were dusted with snow as heavy showers and thunderstorms moved over the island Thursday night into Friday.
The Kona area saw the most activity with the inclement weather resulting in 1.16 inches of rainfall at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, according to the National Weather Service. Kaloko-Honokohau registered 0.84 inches of rainfall.
In Ka‘u, Kapapala Ranch recorded 2.25 inches and Pahala 3.26 inches. Closer to the island’s summits, Pohakuloa Training Area and Waikii each saw just under a half-inch of rain.
Some of the “blow-offs” from the storm spilled over to the summits, leaving a light dusting of snow at the higher elevations.
The Maunakea Access Road was open as of 9:15 a.m. Friday, according to the Maunakea Weather Center.
Road Status: Open (4-Wheel Drive Please)
Friday, October 19, 2018 – 08:37 a.m.
This announcement is primarily used to inform the public about road closures. Road closures typically occur during winter months due to ice or snow on the road and occasionally for high wind situations. Specific road closure criteria are listed below:
- Any ice or snow on the road.
- Winds greater than 55 mph for more than 1 hour and/or gusts greater than 65mph.
- Visibility less than 50 feet.
- Any emergent condition that makes the road unsafe for travel.
