Special Marine Warning Issued for Central California Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard CA has issued a Special Marine Warning for the coastal waters of Central California. The alert was triggered by radar-indicated severe thunderstorms moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime zones:

• Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal westward out to 10 NM
• Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal from 10 to 60 NM
• Waters from Pt. Sal to Santa Cruz Island CA and westward 60 nm, including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands

Specific locations impacted include Point Arguello, Point Sal, Morro Bay, and Cambria.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather passes. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. High winds can cause significant structural damage to vessels, and small craft could capsize in suddenly higher waves.

Expected Conditions

At 6:25 PM PST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 16 nm northeast of Morro Bay to 49 nm west of Point Sal, moving east at 35 knots.

• Hazards: Waterspouts, wind gusts in excess of 50 knots, and small hail.
• Source: Radar-indicated.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately as of 6:25 PM PST on February 17. The alert is currently scheduled to expire at 8:00 PM PST on February 17.