Blizzard conditions have forced a delay in the construction of a large telescope in Hawaii.

The National Weather Service has issued a for the Big Island's volcanic peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The warning says that 5-8 inches of snow is possible above 11,000 feet through Thursday. Winds were forecast to be sustained at 45 to 65 mph with gusts to 85 mph possible.

Blizzard Warning

Webcam from the summit of Mauna Kea. May be difficult to view based on weather conditions and time of day.

The Associated Presssaid that construction preparations were to begin on the Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit of Hawaii's Mauna Kea until snowy conditions developed on Monday, closing the access road.

Ryan Lyman, meteorologist for the Mauna Kea Weather Center, told The Associated Press that winds were pounding the area and that snow was all over the place.

The telescope construction is a $1.4-billion project and should help scientists see some 13 billion light years away for a glimpse into the early years of the universe.

However, some are against the construction of this telescope since its being built near the summit of a mountain held sacred by Native Hawaiians. Last year, a groundbreaking and Hawaiian blessing ceremony were disrupted by protesters.

Is Hawaii Snow Unusual?

Though it may sound unusual to have snow in the forecast for Hawaii, it's more common than you might think.

According to , an assistant professor of geology and geophysics at the University of Hawaii, "it snows here every year, but only at the very summits of our three tallest volcanoes (Mauna Loa, and Haleakala)."

"The snow level almost never gets below 9,000 feet in Hawaii during the winter, but since these mountains are taller than 13,600 feet, 13,700 feet and 10,000 feet, respectively, they get dusted with snow a few times a year. It rarely stays on the ground for more than a few days though."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

PHOTOS: Snow in Hawaii