Some parts of Hawaii could see four times the amount of snow New York City has seen all season with a winter storm set to hit the islands on Thursday.
Why It Matters
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Honolulu issued myriad weather alerts on Thursday, warning residents and tourists alike of a rare storm that would bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to all Hawaiian Islands. A winter storm warning in place on the Big Island also predicts up to 2 feet of snow falling on Hawaii summits.
What to Know
The winter storm warning is in effect from noon local time on Thursday through Saturday morning for Big Island summits. The alert said "heavy snow expected" with total accumulations ranging between 12 and 24 inches. Strong winds as high as 85 mph, the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane, will cause "considerable blowing and drifting" snow.
NWS meteorologist Matthew Wunsch, who works at the New York City office, told Newsweek that New York City has only seen 5.8 inches of snow for the entire winter season. The city's seasonal average to date is 13.5 inches, meaning there is nearly an 8-inch deficit.
Hawaii's high-elevation summits could see four times the amount of snow New York City has seen all winter with one storm, set to hit the Aloha State later this week.
Despite Hawaii being more commonly known as a warm climate, it is not unusual for snow to fall on the state's volcanic peaks given their altitude, and blizzard warnings have been issued during the winter months.
In addition to the winter storm warning, NWS Honolulu also issued a special marine warning, high wind warning, severe thunderstorm watch, gale warning, flood advisory, small craft advisory and flood watch.
What People Are Saying
NWS Honolulu in a winter storm warning: "Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility."
The warning added: "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."
NWS Honolulu in a post on X: "...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER EXPECTED WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY...A strong low pressure system will develop northwest of the state Wednesday night. Visit the National Weather Service website for more details."
What Happens Next
The NWS office in Honolulu anticipates that the low-pressure system will pass just north of Kauai on Thursday. Impacts from the winter storm will last through Saturday morning.
As for New York City, Wunsch said there is no snow in the forecast, though there might be some patchy freezing rain later Thursday night.
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