A rare blizzard warning may leave a very white Christmas in the mountainous regions of Hawaii.
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island.
The warning, which is in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday, calls for accumulations of up to 12 inches of snow for areas 11,500 feet above sea level.
According to weather forecasts, a low pressure aloft is generating strong winds, gusting up to 90 mph, and a band of moisture over the eastern end of the state. These conditions could lead to heavy snow, blowing and drifting snow and lightning strikes.
The weather service says the conditions will be extremely hazardous and potentially life-threatening for anyone attempting to drive or hike to the summits.
Snow in the mountainous regions of the Aloha State this time of year is not uncommon, but a forecast calling for up to 12 inches of snow is unusual.
