Freezing Rain, Snow Forecast Overnight at Maui’s Haleakalā Summit

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Haleakalā Summit on Maui, in effect until noon on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020.

The National Weather Service issued the notification shortly after 9 p.m. on Thursday saying a mix of rain, snow and freezing rain are expected at the location.

This will result in icy roadways, making travel to the summit very dangerous, if not impossible, according to the NWS.  Sources tell Maui Now that at around 11 p.m. on Thursday, they observed snow above the 8,000 foot elevation, but roads were icy and dangerous.

“A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet, and ice are expected or occurring.  Strong winds are also possible… Any travel plans to the summits should be postponed until the threat diminishes,” according to the NWS advisory.

Maui last saw snow atop Haleakalā during a winter storm last year that forced the closure of the summit for at least six days.

A Winter Storm Warning is also in effect for the Big Island summits of Mauna Loa and Maunakea, with snow accumulations of up to six inches in the forecast.  The NWS says “blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility.”

A High Wind Warning is also in effect for  the Summits, with SW to W winds 45 to 75 mph potentially gusting to 90 mph on Hawaiʻi Island.

Maui Flood Advisory Extended to 3:15 a.m.

Maui is under a Flood Advisory until 3:15 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020.

The National Weather Service reports that at 12:14 a.m., radar showed heavy rain persisting over East Maui near Kauaō and Hāna.

Area residents reported flash flooding over the road at Mile 31 of the Hāna Highway at around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The overnight advisory indicates that rain continues to fall at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour at Kīpahulu, Kaupō, Nāhiku, Hāna, Kailua and Haleakalā National Park.

The public is reminded to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Motorists and pedestrians are reminded never to cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.

PS1 Skycam at Haleakalā, Maui. (10:36 p.m. 2.6.20) PC: University of Hawai’i Institute for Astronomy.

PS1 Skycam at Haleakalā, Maui. (10:30 p.m. 2.6.20) PC: University of Hawai’i Institute for Astronomy.

PS1 Skycam at Haleakalā, Maui. (10:17 p.m. 2.6.20) PC: University of Hawai’i Institute for Astronomy.

Maunakea snow. PC: (2.6.20) Subaru catwalk, Maunakea Weather Center, UH Institute for Astronomy.