Mauna Kea summit area at 6:10 p.m. Thursday (Feb 21). Image via UH-Hilo webcam

By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

A Winter storm warning is in effect through 6 p.m. Friday (Feb 22) for the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea above 8,000 feet.

Snow accumulations of six to 12 inches are forecast for tonight and Friday. Summit winds are from the East at 5-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Temperatures are ranging from lows in the lower 20s and highs in the lower 30s. Visibility at times is less than one mile due to clouds and precipitation.

Periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain has made travel on summit roads difficult leading to the closure of the Mauna Kea Access Road to the public. Roadways are covered with ice and snow