Special Marine Warning Issued for Coastal Waters from San Mateo Point to Mexican Border
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for Southern California coastal waters through 2:45 AM PST due to a strong thunderstorm with 34-knot wind gusts.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal and offshore waters. The alert was issued at 1:45 AM PST on February 17, 2026, following the detection of a strong thunderstorm on radar.
Affected Areas
The warning impacts the following geographic regions:
- Coastal waters from San Mateo Point to the Mexican Border out to 10 nautical miles.
- Waters from San Mateo Point to the Mexican Border extending 10 to 60 nautical miles out, including San Clemente Island.
What You Should Do
Mariners are urged to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather passes. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. The National Weather Service recommends avoiding these waters until the threat has subsided.
Expected Conditions
At 1:44 AM PST, radar indicated a strong thunderstorm located 17 nautical miles west of Del Mar. The storm is moving northeast at a rapid pace of 50 knots.
Primary Hazards:
- Wind gusts of 34 knots or greater.
- Suddenly higher waves.
The thunderstorm is expected to remain mainly over open waters during the duration of the warning.
Timeline
The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately as of 1:45 AM PST and is scheduled to expire at 2:45 AM PST on February 17, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice