Winter storm watch issued for Hawaiʻi summits as Kona storm approaches

A winter storm watch has been issued for the Big Island summits as a Kona storm is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to Hawaiʻi’s highest elevations this weekend.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu said the watch will be in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday,f March 21, through 6 p.m. Sunday for areas above 12,000 feet, including the Big Island summits.

Forecasters said up to 10 inches of snow is possible, along with wind gusts reaching 70 mph. Snowfall is expected to begin Saturday night and continue through Sunday afternoon, with lighter snow possibly lingering into Sunday night and Monday.

The storm is being driven by a Kona storm, a type of seasonal system known for bringing cold temperatures, heavy precipitation and strong winds to the islands.

Officials warned that travel to the summits could become very difficult or impossible, with blowing snow expected to significantly reduce visibility at times, potentially to near zero.

Authorities are urging hikers, campers and others planning to visit the summits to monitor forecast updates and consider postponing travel until conditions improve.