Blizzard warning issued for Hawaii over weekend

A blizzard warning has been issued in Hawaii for the weekend, and 12 inches of snow could hit the tropical islands. 

The National Weather Service said it is not uncommon for some parts of Hawaii to receive snow, especially at higher elevations such as the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes. Both of these volcanoes reach 14,000 feet in elevation, according to ABC News.

The blizzard warning for the Big Island summits began on Friday evening and will be in effect until Sunday morning. 

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” the alert stated, ABC News reported. “Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility.”

“The strong winds will likely cause significant drifting of snow,” the alert added.

Along with the blizzard warning, a flood watch has been issued for the state for the next few days.

The Weather Service said heavy rain is expected through the middle of next week that could have “more significant flood impacts.”

The weather warnings come as a cold front has stalled over Hawaii, causing low pressure and wet weather in the region. 

“A cold front will move across the island chain tonight and Friday, then stall near the Big Island Saturday. Low pressure will drop down toward the state later in the weekend and into early next week, with wet weather expected across most of the state,” the National Weather Service in Honolulu said.

A cold front will move across the island chain tonight and Friday, then stall near the Big Island Saturday. Low pressure will drop down toward the state later in the weekend and into early next week, with wet weather expected across most of the state. pic.twitter.com/Ia8X72xzVX

— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) December 2, 2021