A high wind warning is in effect for the Big Island summits through 6 p.m. today.
A high wind warning is in effect for the Big Island summits through 6 p.m. today.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu forecast west winds of 60 to 65 mph with gusts topping 80 mph for the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea summits above the 8,000-foot elevation.
The Mauna Kea Access road remained open to motorists as of 8:05 a.m. today. The current temperature at the summit was 34.3 degrees.
A high wind warning means that winds of at least 56 mph and gusts over 66 mph are forecast, according to the service. Winds this strong can result in property damage and cause power interruptions. The winds can also make driving hazardous prompting the service to caution motorists to delay travel to the summit areas until the winds subside.