Special Marine Warning Issued for Southern California Outer Waters: Waterspouts and 50-Knot Gusts Possible
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for the outer waters off the Southern California coast until 7:00 AM PST due to showers capable of producing waterspouts.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a Special Marine Warning for the outer coastal waters of Southern California. The alert was triggered by radar-indicated showers capable of producing significant maritime hazards.
Affected Areas
The warning impact zone includes the following geographic regions:
- Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal: From 10 to 60 NM offshore.
- Point Sal to Santa Cruz Island: Waters extending westward 60 NM, including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands.
- Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente Island: Outer waters to 60 NM offshore, including San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands.
What You Should Do
Mariners are urged to move to safe harbor immediately. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. If you are in the warning area, seek safe harbor now.
Expected Conditions
- Hazards: Waterspouts and wind gusts reaching nearly 50 knots.
- Current Activity: At 5:53 AM PST, showers were located along a line extending from 28 NM southwest of Point Piedras Blancas to approximately 50 NM southwest of Point Arguello.
- Movement: The system is moving north to northeast at 15 to 20 knots.
- Impact: While showers will mainly remain over open waters, they pose an immediate threat to vessels in their path.
Timeline
The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 7:00 AM PST on February 16, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice