Windy weather will bring choppy seas and a gale warning for portions of the Santa Barbara Channel Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

A small craft advisory will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, and a gale warning will be in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Wednesday for the eastern Santa Barbara Channel from Point Conception to Point Mugu, including Santa Cruz Island, Anacapa Island and Santa Catalina Island, the NWS said.

“Strong winds will create dangerous sea conditions which could capsize or damage small and large vessels,” the NWS said. “Mariners should alter plans to avoid these dangerous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.”

A Red Flag Warning for fire danger is in effect for Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles County Tuesday due to gusty winds in the forecast. 

“The strongest Santa Ana Event of the season will start later today and persist through Thursday peaking mid morning Wednesday,” the NWS Los Angeles Office said in its forecast discussion Tuesday. 

Winds are not expected to be as strong in Santa Barbara County, but there could still be gusty conditions in foothill and mountain areas Tuesday evening through Thursday afternoon, according to the NWS. 

Click here for the latest Santa Barbara weather forecast. 

— Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.