The warning extends through 6 p.m. today. Summits could see up to six inches of snow in total, although NWS meteorologist Leigh Anne Eaton said any significant accumulation is unlikely.
"It's probably going to be a snow-rain mix," Eaton said.
She said the storm is the result of a weather front of "enhanced moisture," which will sweep across the windward side of the Big Island, causing heavy showers throughout the island's east side and snowfall at higher altitudes.
Snowfall is expected to continue on the mountains throughout the week, with the weather service predicting an 80 percent chance of snow showers each day through Thursday night.
Comment: Another woman was also killed by lightning elsewhere in Tamil Nadu a day prior to the above incident.