This study demonstrates a link between coastal downwelling and tropical cyclone (TC) intensification. We show coastal downwelling increases air-sea enthalpy (heat, moisture) fluxes ahead of TCs approaching land, creating conditions conducive to intensification even in the presence of typically inhibiting factors like strong vertical wind shear. The study uses a coupled TC model (HWRF-B) and buoy observations to demonstrate that coastal downwelling developed as three TCs in 2020 approached land. Results show that downwelling maintained warmer sea-surface temperatures over the ocean shelf, enhancing air-sea temperature/humidity contrasts. We found that in such cases the resulting air-sea enthalpy fluxes can replenish the boundary layer even when cool, dry air intrudes, as in sheared storms and storms approaching land. Warm, moist air advects into the inner core, enhancing convective development, thus providing energy for TC intensification. These results indicate coastal downwelling should be considered in forecasting TC intensity change before landfall.