Update: Wind advisory canceled for Big Island summits

Update at 3 a.m. Feb. 2: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has canceled the wind advisory previously in effect for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Winds have lowered below advisory thresholds.

Original post from 11:57 p.m. Feb. 1: Just a couple of days after a major winter storm coated the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa with several inches of snow, with strong winds whipping the white stuff up to blizzard conditions at times, the Big Island’s two tallest mountains are again experiencing more than windy conditions.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a wind advisory until 6 a.m. Sunday for the summits of both mountains, with sustained winds of 40 to 55 mph expected, gusting up to 65 mph.

The Canada-France-Hawai‘i Telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea was reporting average wind speeds of between 48 and 51 mph at about 11:50 p.m. Feb. 1.

Winds this strong can make it difficult to open and close doors. Driving also will be difficult, especially for motorists in high-profile vehicles.

The public is advised to consider postponing travel to the summits until conditions improve. If you must travel to the summits, use extra caution walking or driving. Be careful opening or closing doors.

Be sure to secure outdoor objects.