Snow-capped summits give Hawaii a white Christmas
HONOLULU (AP) - A rare blizzard that dusted two island mountaintops gave tourists and residents in Hawaii a white Christmas.
The blizzard has eased, but strong winds are blowing the snow around on two Big Island summits. While snow on the mountains is common, a blizzard is unusual.
The National Weather Service canceled a blizzard warning Thursday morning for the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
Weather service meteorologist Norman Hui says the mountains will remain snow-capped for a day or two before the powder melts.
Hui says a high wind warning for the summits will likely be canceled later Thursday.
This Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014 photo shows a dusting of snow on Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii. While snow on the mountains is common, a blizzard with significant accumulation is unusual. (AP Photo/Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Hollyn Johnson)
The Associated Press
This Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014 photo a road block with a sign informing visitors that the road to the summit of Mauna Kea is closed after snowfall on the mountain on the Big Island of Hawaii. While snow on the mountains is common, a blizzard with significant accumulation is unusual. (AP Photo/Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Hollyn Johnson)
The Associated Press