Special Marine Warning Issued for Southern California Inner Waters Including Santa Catalina
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for inner waters from Point Mugu to San Mateo Point due to severe thunderstorms and potential waterspouts.
Alert Details
Type: Special Marine Warning
Issued by: National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Effective: February 16, 2026, at 10:30 AM PST
Expires: February 16, 2026, at 12:30 PM PST
Affected Areas
The warning covers the inner waters from Point Mugu to San Mateo Pt. CA, including Santa Catalina and Anacapa Islands. Specific locations impacted include:
- King Harbor
- Point Dume
- Redondo Beach Pier
- Los Angeles Harbor
- Manhattan Beach
- Port of Los Angeles
- Two Harbors
- Redondo Beach
- Malibu
- Catalina Island
What You Should Do
Mariners and residents in the affected area should take the following actions:
- Move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather conditions pass.
- Report severe weather sightings to the Coast Guard or the National Weather Service.
- Small craft should be especially cautious as they could capsize in suddenly higher waves.
Expected Conditions
Radar indicates severe thunderstorms located along a line extending from 15 nm north of Santa Monica Pier to 11 nm west of Point Vicente, moving north at 20 knots.
Hazards include:
- Wind Gusts: In excess of 50 knots.
- Waterspouts: Possible. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas.
- Impacts: Boats could suffer significant structural damage in high winds, and small craft are at risk of capsizing.
Timeline
The Special Marine Warning is currently in effect as of 10:30 AM PST and is expected to last until 12:30 PM PST on February 16, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice