Special Marine Warning Issued for Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard CA has issued a Special Marine Warning (SMWLOX). This alert is effective immediately following radar detection of severe weather conditions in the coastal waters.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• East Santa Barbara Channel: From Pt. Conception to Pt. Mugu, including Santa Cruz Island.
• Outer Waters: From Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente Island to 60 NM offshore, including San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands.
• Coastal Waters: From Pt. Sal to Santa Cruz Island and westward 60 nm, including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands.

Specific land-adjacent locations impacted include Point Arguello, Point Conception, San Miguel Island, and Santa Rosa Island.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected areas are advised to move to safe harbor immediately. Stay in port or find a protected area until the hazardous weather conditions have passed. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas, while small craft could be damaged by sudden high winds and waves.

Expected Conditions

According to NWS radar at 11:10 AM PST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 8 nm north of Point Arguello to 20 nm southwest of San Miguel Island.

• Hazards: Waterspouts and wind gusts reaching nearly 50 knots.
• Movement: The storm line is moving east at 20 knots.
• Impact: Potential for suddenly higher waves and damaged small craft.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:11 AM PST on February 16, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 12:00 PM PST.