Special Marine Warning for Southern California Coastal Waters: Waterspouts and 50-Knot Gusts Possible

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard CA has issued a Special Marine Warning (SMWLOX) for several coastal and outer water zones. The alert was issued at 8:01 PM PST on February 17, 2026, following radar detection of severe thunderstorms.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad area of the California coast and offshore waters, including:

• East Santa Barbara Channel from Pt. Conception to Pt. Mugu, including Santa Cruz Island.
• Outer waters from Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente Island (up to 60 NM offshore), including San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands.
• Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal (0 to 60 NM offshore).
• Waters from Pt. Sal to Santa Cruz Island, including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands.

Specific locations impacted include Point Arguello, Point Conception, Point Sal, San Miguel Island, and Santa Rosa Island.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather conditions pass. Small craft are especially vulnerable and should avoid the warning area to prevent capsizing.

Expected Conditions

At 8:00 PM PST, radar indicated severe thunderstorms located along a line extending from 8 nm southeast of Pismo Beach to 59 nm southwest of Point Arguello, moving southeast at 20 knots. Primary hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Capable of easily overturning boats and creating hazardous seas.
• Wind: Gusts in excess of 50 knots, which can cause significant structural damage to vessels.
• Seas: Suddenly higher waves and locally hazardous conditions.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately as of 8:01 PM PST and is scheduled to expire at 10:00 PM PST on February 17, 2026.