Winter Storm — Big Island Summit, Hawaii

2023-02-15 to 2023-02-19 · Big Island Summit, Hawaii

Event narrative

Park Rangers relayed to the National Weather Service that summit roads were closed to the public due to occasional whiteout and continued deteriorating weather conditions. Crews tried to clear the roads at times during the event, though snow continued to fall. The roads were at times open to observatory personnel, however those personnel were encouraged to use studded tires or chains when attempting to drive up to the summits.

Wider weather episode

An extended period of deep layered moisture was anchored over the Big Island through the period, with temperatures at summit level remaining near or below freezing. This pattern generated a mix of heavy snow and freezing rain, which produced up to 12 inches of snowfall and significant icing. Travel to the summits was considered extremely dangerous and life threatening due to snow and ice covered roadways.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1075553. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.