Update: Winter storm warning issued for Big Island summits

Updated at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 15: The National Weather Service has upgraded the winter storm watch to a winter storm warning for the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa.

Heavy snow is expected, with total snow accumulations of up to 10 inches. Winds will gust to as high as 70 mph.

Original post: In anticipation of a Kona low expected to bring enhanced moisture over the state beginning Thursday morning, the National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter storm watch for the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa.

The watch goes into effect Thursday morning and will remain in effect through Saturday afternoon.

Instability in combination with temperatures at the summits near or below freezing will result in the potential for heavy snow throughout this period, the National Weather Service said in its advisory notice. Additionally, winds gusting up to 70 mph could produce blizzard-like conditions at times.

Total snow accumulations greater than 6 inches also are possible.

Travel at and to the summits could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility.