Special Marine Warning Issued for Southern California Coastal Waters; Waterspouts and 50-Knot Gusts Possible

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 7:07 AM PST on February 16, 2026, following radar detection of showers capable of producing waterspouts.

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, extending 60 NM offshore, including San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands.
• Central Coast Waters: Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal (both nearshore out to 10 NM and offshore 10 to 60 NM).
• Western Waters: From Pt. Sal to Santa Cruz Island, extending westward 60 NM, including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands.

Specific locations impacted include Point Arguello, Point Sal, Morro Bay, San Miguel Island, Point Conception, Cambria, and Santa Rosa Island.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to avoid the affected areas. Residents and those on the water should report any sightings of severe weather to the U.S. Coast Guard or the National Weather Service. Small craft should seek safe harbor immediately as winds and waves can increase suddenly, potentially causing damage to vessels.

Expected Conditions

According to radar data, the following hazards are present:

• Waterspouts: Showers capable of producing waterspouts were located along a line moving northeast at 20 knots.
• Wind: Gusts are expected to reach nearly 50 knots.
• Seas: Waterspouts can create locally hazardous seas. Mariners should expect suddenly higher waves and dangerous conditions for small craft.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately as of 7:07 AM PST and is currently scheduled to expire at 8:00 AM PST on February 16, 2026.