The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for Hawaii that goes into effect Friday, a rare occasion for the tropical destination.
Experts warn Hawaii's Big Island could expect up to a foot of snow and winds reaching upward of 100 mph, according to the warning. Blizzards are a rarity for the Pacific island, but snow is nothing new for the state.
HOMEOWNER BURNS DOWN HOUSE WHILE FIGHTING SNAKE INFESTATION
The mountain peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa receive fresh snow every year.
Due to high winds and winter weather conditions, the summit of Mauna Loa is temporarily closed to overnight use. Based on the weather forecast, the park will consider reopening the summit on Wednesday.
— Hawaii Volcanoes NPS (@Volcanoes_NPS) November 30, 2021
USGS webcam photo of Mokuʻāweoweo, the summit crater of Mauna Loa. pic.twitter.com/0xgToqhqf6
However, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Service closed Mauna Loa's summit due to the conditions leading up to the blizzard warning, according to a Twitter post.
Damaging winds are anticipated to hit across Hawaii, and heavy rains have prompted worries of flooding.
Blizzard Warning in Hawaii goes into effect tonight. A foot of snow with winds greater than 100mph possible. It's the states first blizzard since 2018 #9wx pic.twitter.com/fUORR0yp4P
— Cory Reppenhagen (@CReppWx) December 3, 2021
If a blizzard strikes Hawaii, it will be the first one since 2018, according to the National Weather Service.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The National Weather Service also issued a blizzard warning in Alaska for this weekend, lasting until Friday evening. The rest of the United States has seen a slower start to the winter season, with temperatures above normal recorded this week.