The Daytona Beach wave of 3-4 July 1992: a shallow-water gravity wave forced by a propagating squall line

Abstract

An unexpected run-up of the ocean along Daytona Beach, Florida, on 3-4 July 1992 was associated with at least one large ocean wave. The wave, which reached a height of about 3 m above normal tide, injured 75 people and damaged property along Daytona Beach. Analyses of meteorological and oceanographic observations are consistent with the hypothesis that a squall line generated a long water wave. The critical evidence is that the propagation of speed of the squall line matched the shallow-water wave speed that prevailed along the direction of motion of the squall line. The squall line exerted force on the ocean for at least 3 h. The issues of recurrence and public safety are discussed. -Authors