Home / Weather / Hawaii Peaks Brace for Rare March Snow
Hawaii Peaks Brace for Rare March Snow
11 Mar
Summary
- Heavy snow expected on Big Island's tallest peaks.
- Rare tornadoes could strike Hawaii simultaneously.
- Flash flooding is a significant concern with heavy rain.
The tallest peaks on Hawaii's Big Island are under a winter storm watch as a powerful kona low approaches. From Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon, accumulations of up to 8 inches of snow are expected above 12,000 feet, with forecasters warning of whiteout conditions. This rare March storm also brings the possibility of thunderstorms and strong winds to the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
Beyond the snow, meteorologists are concerned about heavy rainfall rates, potentially reaching 2 inches per hour. This could lead to significant accumulations, increasing the risk of flash flooding. Uniquely, the islands could also experience rare tornadoes forming due to unstable atmospheric conditions. Residents are urged to stay informed about the evolving weather situation, as warnings for hazardous conditions may be upgraded.
