Special Marine Warning Issued for San Diego Coastal Waters; Wind Gusts Up to 50 Knots Expected
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal waters from San Mateo Point to the Mexican Border, effective until 2:00 PM PST due to high winds and hazardous waves.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a Special Marine Warning (SMW). This alert is effective immediately following radar detection of hazardous weather conditions over coastal waters.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following maritime regions:
- Coastal waters from San Mateo Point to the Mexican Border extending 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. Hazardous weather can cause suddenly higher waves and wind conditions that may damage small craft. It is advised to remain in port or seek sheltered waters until the warning has expired and conditions improve.
Expected Conditions
At 1:11 PM PST, NWS radar indicated a line of showers extending from Del Mar to 16 nautical miles southwest of Point Loma. This system is moving northeast at a speed of 35 knots.
Primary Hazards include:
- Wind: Gusts reaching nearly 50 knots.
- Waves: Suddenly higher waves are expected in the vicinity of the showers.
- Impact: Potential damage to small craft and dangerous conditions for maritime operations.
Timeline
The Special Marine Warning is effective as of 1:12 PM PST on February 16, 2026. The alert is currently scheduled to expire at 2:00 PM PST on February 16, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice