Special Marine Warning Issued for Southern California Inner Waters; Waterspouts and 50-Knot Gusts Possible
A Special Marine Warning is in effect for Southern California inner waters until 1:00 PM PST due to severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts and 50-knot wind gusts.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard CA has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Southern California coast. This alert is effective immediately following radar detection of severe weather conditions over the inner waters.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the inner waters from Point Mugu to San Mateo Point, CA. This includes:
- Santa Catalina Island
- Anacapa Island
- Dana Point
- Newport Harbor
- Alamitos Bay
- Port of Los Angeles
What You Should Do
Mariners and individuals in the affected areas are advised to move to safe harbor immediately. You should remain in a secure location until the hazardous weather conditions have passed. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas, while high winds can cause significant structural damage to vessels. Small craft are at particular risk of capsizing in suddenly higher waves.
Expected Conditions
At 11:30 AM PST, radar indicated severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts. These storms were located along a line extending from 8 nautical miles south of the Port of Los Angeles to 28 nautical miles southeast of Avalon, moving east at 30 knots.
Primary hazards include:
- Wind: Gusts in excess of 50 knots.
- Waterspouts: Potential for waterspout development which can create dangerous sea conditions.
Timeline
The alert was issued at 11:31 AM PST on February 16, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 1:00 PM PST on February 16, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice