A potent storm impacting the Aloha state will bring heavy precipitation, gusty potentially damaging wind gusts, and large hail to Hawaii; it is also forecast to bring heavy snow to portions of the Big Island of Hawaii, prompting the National Weather Service in Honolulu on the island of Oahu to issue Winter Storm Warning for portions of Hawaii.

As a result of this powerful storm that’ll bring a variety of weather conditions across Hawaii, a Winter Storm Warning is now in effect from noon Friday through 6 am Saturday, The Warning is being issued due to heavy snow and very strong winds expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 6 inches while winds will be  gusting over 70 mph. The area under the advisory is restricted to the Big Island summit areas.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility, ” the National Weather Service Warns.  A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet, and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible. Any travel plans to the summits should be postponed until the threat diminishes.”