Lightning and more than 6 inches of snow could hit the summits of Hawaii island beginning today, the National Weather Service said.

Big Island summits above 11,000 feet were scheduled to be under a winter storm watch from this morning to Wednesday afternoon. The watch means significant snow accumulations could affect travel and create dangerous conditions for hikers.

A low-pressure area northwest of Hawaii was creating the storm and allowing deep moisture to spread over the islands this week, bringing potentially heavy snow to Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

The weather service warned of visibility of less than a quarter-mile, 10- to 15-mph winds with higher gusts, and slick, snow-covered roads. The agency urged travelers to consider postponing summit trips until the weather improves.

Meanwhile, a small-craft advisory remained in effect this morning for the Pailolo Channel between Molokai and Maui, the Alenuihaha Channel between Maui and Hawaii island, and all waters around the Big Island. Winds in those waters were 23 to 29 mph, and seas ranged from 6 to 9 feet, the weather service said.

Kauai

Drivers using Maluhia Road will be diverted on Saturday

Maluhia Road, from the Tree Tunnel to the Ala Kinoiki Road junction in Koloa, will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday while the county Department of Public Works trims trees.

During the road closure, traffic will be diverted to Piko, Omao and Koloa roads, the county said by email.

For more information call Scott Suga with the Roads Division at 241-4844.