Special Marine Warning Issued for Southern California Coastal Waters and Channel Islands
A Special Marine Warning is in effect for the Southern California coast through 9:30 AM PST Monday, with severe thunderstorms and potential waterspouts threatening maritime safety.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a Special Marine Warning for several coastal and offshore zones in Southern California. The alert was issued at 8:31 AM PST on February 16, 2026, and remains in effect until 9:30 AM PST.
Affected Areas
The warning covers a broad area of the Pacific waters, including:
- East Santa Barbara Channel: From Pt. Conception to Pt. Mugu, including Santa Cruz Island.
- Inner Waters: From Point Mugu to San Mateo Pt., including Santa Catalina and Anacapa Islands.
- Outer Waters: From Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente Island, extending 60 NM offshore, including San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands.
- Northern Waters: From Pt. Sal to Santa Cruz Island and westward 60 NM, including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands.
Specific locations impacted include West Point Santa Cruz Island.
What You Should Do
Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately and remain there until the hazardous weather conditions have passed. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas, while high winds and sudden waves can damage small craft.
Expected Conditions
At 8:30 AM PST, radar indicated severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts along a line extending from near West Point Santa Cruz Island to 21 nm southeast of Santa Rosa Island. The storm system is moving northeast at 30 knots.
- Wind: Gusts to nearly 50 knots.
- Hazards: Possible waterspouts and suddenly higher waves.
- Source: Radar-indicated.
Timeline
The warning is effective immediately as of 8:31 AM PST and is scheduled to expire at 9:30 AM PST on February 16, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice