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W.M. KECK OBSERVATORY
More snow could fall on Mauna Kea, adding to the snow already on the ground Monday morning.
An unstable weather system threatens to bring freezing temperatures and heavy snow to Hawaii island summits, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures in the upper 20s and 12 to 18 inches of snow are expected on Hawaii island summits above 12,000 feet Tuesday and Wednesday night, and weather officials posted a winter storm warning through 6 a.m. Thursday.
The weather service warned that travel to the summits will be dangerous, with southwesterly winds forecast to strengthen to 20 to 30 mph Wednesday night.
The same unstable system also threatens to bring heavy flooding and thunderstorms to Maui and Hawaii island and prompted weather forecasters to post a flash flood watch for those islands.
Forecasters said trade winds will focus the rain along the windward slopes of Maui and Hawaii island.
The flash flood watch is in effect through 6 a.m. Thursday
