Wave Reduction by Storm-Driven Ocean Currents in Tropical Cyclones: Coupled Modeling and Drifting Buoy Observations

Accurate prediction of surface waves under tropical cyclones requires realistic representation of storm-induced ocean currents, which can strongly modulate wave growth and propagation. This study synthesizes results from a coupled modeling investigation and an observational analysis using drifting buoys deployed in four Gulf of Mexico hurricanes: Ian (2022), Idalia (2023), Helene (2024), and Milton (2024). The modeling system consists of the WAVEWATCH III wave model coupled to the Modular Ocean Model 6. The ocean model uses a mixing scheme that explicitly includes wave-induced Langmuir turbulence enhancement, resulting in reduced surface Eulerian currents that are more consistent with observations. The surface current introduced in the wave model combines the Eulerian current and the enhancement of the dominant wave group velocity arising from nonlinear interactions with coexisting waves. Idealized experiments show that omitting surface currents leads to systematic overestimation of maximum significant wave height by up to ~9%, with similar sensitivity to the specification of the upper-ocean mixing scheme. In real storms, drifter-based validation confirms that neglecting storm-induced currents results in consistent overestimation of significant wave height and peak period, particularly in regions of strong currents. These current-induced reductions in wave energy occur primarily because dominant wave packets propagate more rapidly and spend less time under intense winds. The effect is strongest in deep water but remains substantial in intermediate depths (20–70 m), where most observations were collected. Together, these results provide compelling evidence that storm-driven currents frequently reduce wave heights and periods under tropical cyclones. Incorporating realistic surface‐current effects into operational models is therefore essential for improving wave forecasts in tropical cyclones and enhancing coastal hazard assessments.