Wind Speed Suppression by Large Buildings in Hurricanes

Near surface (< 100 m ASL) ultra-fine-scale DOW radar velocity data reveal a systematic decrease in wind speeds in the hurricane boundary layer in the wake of tall structures. This wake persists for a couple to a few kilometers. Analyses of DOW data showing these effects during obtained during the landfalls of Hurricanes Frances (2004) and Isabel (2003) will be presented. Radar sweeps obtained at 0.5 degrees elevation are analyzed on both sides, upstream, and in the wake of large buildings, such as shore front condominiums and a nuclear power facility. Differences in the decrease of wind speeds as parcels proceed across barrier islands with and without structures are compared.