A shark bit a Maui surfer on Friday and severed his leg, authorities said.

The man, 61, was surfing off Waiehu Beach Park on Friday morning when a shark bit him. Police officers who arrived to the scene first tried to control the bleeding with tourniquets. His right leg was “completely severed just below the knee,” Maui county said in a news release.

The man was alert while being treated on shore and then taken to Maui Memorial medical center in critical condition.

The man said he did not see the shark approach, authorities reported.

The incident prompted officials to close the beach park. Officials warned people to stay out of the water in the area. The public warning to stay out of the water for a mile in each direction of the incident will be in effect until at least noon on Saturday. The warning will be extended if there is a shark sighting in the area.

Maui fire and ocean safety officials were patrolling the waters using rescue watercraft and a drone. State officials provided shark warning signs and helped with cordoning off the area.

There were no details provided on what kind of shark was involved.

In June, well-known surfer Tamayo Perry was killed in a shark attack while surfing off Oahu’s North Shore.

However, shark attacks are relatively rare across the world but attract a disproportionate amount of news media attention. In many areas of the world shark populations have been decimated by human activities, including being hunted for food.

A shark bit a Maui surfer Friday and severed his leg, authorities said.

The man, 61, was surfing off Waiehu Beach Park Friday morning when a shark bit him. Police officers who arrived to the scene first tried to control the bleeding with tourniquets. His leg was “completely severed just below the knee,” Maui County said in a news release.

The man was alert while being treated on shore and then taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition.

The incident prompted officials to close the beach park. Officials warned people to stay out of the water in the area. The public warning to stay out of the water for a mile in each direction of the incident will be in effect until at least noon Saturday. The warning will be extended if there is a shark sighting in the area.

Maui fire and ocean safety officials were patrolling the waters using rescue watercraft and a drone. State officials provided shark warning signs and helped with cordoning off the area.

There were no details provided on what kind of shark was involved.

In June, well-known surfer Tamayo Perry was killed in a shark attack while surfing off Oahu’s North Shore.

Winter has arrived, but not across Canada, in Hawaii.

The first snow of the season turned Hawaii’s highest peak Mauna Kea Summit into a winter wonderland.

The summit saw almost 5 cm of snow on October 28, and while not uncommon this time of year, the snow was enough to close the road due to reduced visibility and icy conditions.

A ridge of high pressure to the north and a moisture band to the south set the stage for the snow.

As the moisture moved over the island, it brought precipitation with it. But at an elevation of 4,200 metres, it’s cold enough at the top of Mauna Kea Summit for moisture to accumulate as snow rather than rain.

Hawaii is better known for its beautiful beaches and tropical landscape, but at 4,207 metres above sea level, Mauna Kea regularly sees snow in the wet season from November to March.