Heavy snow warning as 8 inches set to hit Hawaii

A powerful kona low spinning northwest of Hawaii is expected to dump heavy snow on the Big Island’s tallest peaks, with forecasters warning that whiteout conditions could make travel “very difficult to impossible” from Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu issued a winter storm watch early Wednesday for summits above 12,000 feet, where up to 8 inches of snow may accumulate. The rare March storm is forecast to bring periods of heavy snow, thunderstorms, and strong winds to the highest elevations, including the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Visibility may drop to zero at times due to blowing snow.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility,” NWS Honolulu said in a winter storm watch.

NWS meteorologist Robert Bohlin told Newsweek that it’s not atypical for kona lows to drop heavy snow on Hawaii’s summits. More concerning for meteorologists was the rain. Rainfall rates could reach up to 2 inches per hour, accumulating as much as four months’ worth of rain in as little as five days for some locations. Flash flooding remains a chief concern.

Tornadoes Possible Amid Severe Thunderstorms

Rare tornadoes could strike Hawaii at the same time as the heavy snow, although in different locations, NWS senior forecaster Jon Jelsema previously told Newsweek.

“The ingredients necessary for tornado formation are there,” Jelsema told Newsweek. “Due to unstable conditions, there could be gusty winds that produce damage and even some hail. It’s quite an unusual event. It’s going to be a wild week here in Hawaii.”

Thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes can form quickly and with little advance notice, leaving residents only minutes to react. In places where tornadoes are uncommon, such as Hawaii, people may not recognize the danger or know the protective steps to take, making the threat even more severe. Meteorologists emphasize that immediate action is critical when warnings are issued, as rapidly developing storms can become life‑threatening in a very short time.

Winter Storm Warning vs. Winter Storm Watch

A winter storm watch means severe winter weather is possible, but not yet certain. Watches are issued when forecasters see potential for heavy snow, ice, or other hazardous winter conditions significant enough to disrupt travel or threaten safety. A winter storm warning, by contrast, is issued when those dangerous conditions are expected or occurring.

In addition to the winter storm watch, NWS Honolulu has issued flood watches and advisories, special marine warnings, small craft advisories, high wind watches, and a special weather statement for the islands. The NWS added that conditions may intensify as the kona low strengthens, and that warning upgrades are possible as the storm approaches.

People living on or visiting the islands are urged to stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts, as days’ worth of storms with significant impacts are expected.