The Surface Atmosphere Sea Coupling: WAves, Turbulence, Currents, and Hurricanes (SASCWATCH) Project is charting new territory in hurricane research.

By integrating data from ocean buoys, NOAA flyovers, and Hurricane Hunters missions, scientists are closely examining how waves, currents, and turbulence exchange heat, moisture, and energy between the ocean and atmosphere during extreme storms.

Researchers say the insights gained could dramatically improve hurricane forecasts and deepen understanding of how tropical cyclones grow and rapidly intensify—a phenomenon increasingly linked to warmer oceans and climate change.

“The ultimate goal is saving lives by giving communities more accurate, timely warnings,” project leaders said.