Abstract

During a tropical cyclone such as a hurricane, meteorological and oceanographic (met-ocean) conditions are severe. Estimates of these met-ocean parameters including winds, waves, current and storm surges are needed before and after the storm. Using Hurricane Ivan in 2004 as a case study, it is found that near surface wind measurements cannot be used to estimate waves and currents. An alternative method is proposed to estimate the wind drift velocity, i.e., Usea = 21 Hs^2/Tp^3, where Hs is the significant wave height and Tp the dominant wave period, both parameters are available routinely online from the National Data Buoy Center. Application of this Usea formula during Ivan shows that it is consistent with the near surface current measurements, particular the peak velocity.