Special Marine Warning Issued for Santa Barbara Channel and Southern California Offshore Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Santa Barbara Channel and surrounding offshore waters. The alert was issued at 3:07 AM PST on February 16, 2026, and remains in effect until 4:30 AM PST.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several key maritime zones, including:

• East Santa Barbara Channel: From Point Conception to Point Mugu, including Santa Cruz Island.
• Outer Waters: From Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente Island extending 60 nautical miles offshore, including San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands.
• Northern Offshore Waters: From Point Sal to Santa Cruz Island and westward 60 nautical miles, including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands.

Specific locations impacted by these conditions include Point Arguello, San Miguel Island, and Point Conception.

What You Should Do

Mariners and individuals in the affected areas are advised to avoid the warning zone. Small craft should seek safe harbor immediately as high winds and waves can cause damage. Please report any sightings of severe weather or waterspouts to the U.S. Coast Guard or the National Weather Service.

Expected Conditions

According to radar data, showers capable of producing waterspouts were identified approximately 45 nautical miles south of Point Conception to about 25 nautical miles west of Point Conception. These storms are moving north at a speed of 25 to 30 knots.

Primary hazards include:

• Waterspouts: These can create locally hazardous seas and pose a significant threat to mariners.
• Wind: Gusts are expected to reach nearly 50 knots.
• Waves: Suddenly higher waves are possible, which can damage small craft and create dangerous conditions.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately as of 3:07 AM PST. The warning and the associated hazardous conditions are expected to last until the alert expires at 4:30 AM PST on February 16, 2026.