A powerful storm system is pummeling Hawaii Thursday with flash flooding, damaging wind gusts, severe thunderstorms – and even blizzard-like conditions to the high mountain peaks – that has left thousands without power,

When you think about Hawaii, what comes to mind? Warm beaches, swaying palm trees and pineapples? Probably not a blizzard. But this week, meteorologists say hurricane-force winds and 2 feet of snow will grace the peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in the island state.