In this study, a coupled atmosphere–ocean wave modeling system is used to simulate air–sea interaction under high wind conditions. This coupled modeling system is made of three well-tested model components: The Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research regional atmospheric Mesoscale Model, the University of Colorado version of the Princeton Ocean Model, and the ocean surface gravity wave model developed by the Wave Model Development and Implementation Group. The ocean model is initialized using a 9-month spinup simulation forced by 6-hourly wind stresses and with assimilation of satellite sea surface temperature (SST) and altimetric data into the model. The wave model is initialized using a zero wave state. The scenario in which the study is carried out is the intensification of a simulated hurricane passing over the Gulf of Mexico. The focus of the study is to evaluate the impact of sea spray, mixing in the upper ocean, warm-core oceanic eddies shed by the Gulf Loop ... Abstract In this study, a coupled atmosphere–ocean wave modeling system is used to simulate air–sea interaction under high wind conditions. This coupled modeling system is made of three well-tested model components: The Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research regional atmospheric Mesoscale Model, the University of Colorado version of the Princeton Ocean Model, and the ocean surface gravity wave model developed by the Wave Model Development and Implementation Group. The ocean model is initialized using a 9-month spinup simulation forced by 6-hourly wind stresses and with assimilation of satellite sea surface temperature (SST) and altimetric data into the model. The wave model is initialized using a zero wave state. The scenario in which the study is carried out is the intensification of a simulated hurricane passing over the Gulf of Mexico. The focus of the study is to evaluate the impact of sea spray, mixing in the upper ocean, warm-core oceanic eddies shed by the Gulf Loop ...