Special Marine Warning Issued for Central 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 zones. The alert was issued following radar detection of severe thunderstorms capable of producing hazardous maritime conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime 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 land-adjacent locations impacted by this system include Point Sal, Cambria, and Morro Bay.

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather passes. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft are at risk of damage from briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. Avoid these waters until the warning has expired.

Expected Conditions

At 11:13 AM PST, radar indicated severe thunderstorms located along a line extending from Cambria to 20 nautical miles west of Point Sal. The storm system is moving east at 20 knots.

Key hazards identified by the National Weather Service include:

• Waterspouts: Possible detection via radar; capable of overturning vessels.
• Wind: Gusts reaching nearly 50 knots.
• Seas: Suddenly higher waves and turbulent conditions.

Timeline

The alert became effective at 11:14 AM PST on February 16, 2026. The Special Marine Warning is currently scheduled to expire at 11:45 AM PST on February 16, 2026.