Special Marine Warning Issued for Central California Coastal Waters Through 6:30 PM PST

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a Special Marine Warning for the coastal waters of Central California. The alert was issued at 5:06 PM PST on February 17, 2026, following radar detection of severe thunderstorms moving east at 55 knots.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• 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 impacted locations include Cambria and Morro Bay.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected areas should take immediate action. Seek safe harbor immediately. Thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts which can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft could capsize in suddenly higher waves, and boats could suffer significant structural damage in high winds.

Expected Conditions

• Hazards: Waterspouts and wind gusts in excess of 50 knots.
• Storm Movement: Severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Point Piedras Blancas to near Point Sal, moving east at 55 knots.
• Impact: Potential for overturned vessels, structural damage to boats, and hazardous sea conditions.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 6:30 PM PST on February 17, 2026.