Big Sur and Central Coast Marine Advisory: Dangerous Small-Craft Seas Forecast October 22–23

BIG SUR / CENTRAL COAST — Thursday, October 22, 2026. Small vessels along the Central California coast face a new hazardous-conditions forecast beginning 9:00 p.m. Thursday, according to marine advisories issued by the National Weather Service’s San Francisco Bay Area office.

In a bulletin updated at 8:27 a.m. October 22, the weather service extended a Small Craft Advisory for waters between Point Pinos and Point Piedras Blancas. For nearshore waters out to 10 nautical miles, the advisory runs from 9 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday, October 23. For waters 10 to 60 nautical miles offshore, it runs until 9 p.m. Friday, as of the notice.

What wind and wave conditions are forecast?

For the offshore zone, NWS forecasts northwest winds of 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 30 knots and seas of 6 to 11 feet. This is a forecast for specified marine zones, not a measurement of surf height at every Big Sur beach or a claim that all beaches are closed.

Who should be especially cautious?

The advisory targets boat operators, particularly those in smaller vessels and inexperienced crews. Changing seas and gusts can make leaving harbor or navigating exposed waters hazardous. Recreational boaters should review up-to-date marine forecasts, communicate plans and reconsider departures when conditions exceed their vessel or crew’s capabilities.

Does it affect highways or electricity?

The marine advisory does not announce a Highway 1 closure, coastal evacuation, or electric-service outage. Travelers should separately confirm any road restrictions on Caltrans QuickMap. For current marine advisories, consult NWS San Francisco Bay Area.

Source: NWS Small Craft Advisory KMTR.SC.Y.0128, updated October 22, 2026 at 8:27 a.m. Pacific for waters Point Pinos–Point Piedras Blancas. Advisory start and end times are forecasts subject to change.

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