Pronóstico de inundaciones costeras en Cuba por huracanes, utilizando una combinación de modelos numéricos

A regional model combination (WRF+ROMS+WW3+SWAN), identified as SPNOA (Numeric Ocean-Atmosphere Forecasting System), was applied for coastal flood forecast in Cuban coastal zones. A module to predict sea level rise by wave setup was added. Nested domains were used, covering the Inter-American Seas, Cuban surrounding waters and shore areas. Several hurricanes were considered as study cases in the experimental work to test the system effectiveness. The following procedures were utilized to evaluate the obtained results: A) WRF output circulation patterns were compared with NOAA re-analyses, and hurricane trajectories with NHC best tracks. B) The records of meteorological stations and buoys were compared with punctual model outputs. C) Storm tide forecast, given by ROMS and wave setup modules at the shore line, were evaluated in comparison with tide gauge records at some points of the Cuba coastal zone, near or located in the flooding areas. Some local testimonies about flooding intensity were also analyzed. It was concluded that SPNOA system is efficient in terms of up to 72 hours for the representation and prediction of wind waves and sea level rise, under the influence of hurricanes; therefore, its use in the Cuban meteorological service is recommended.