Margot — 2023

A tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa on 5 September 2023 organized into a tropical depression on 7 September about 15.5°N, 26.0°W and strengthened into Tropical Storm Margot later that day. Margot moved generally northwestward and executed a clockwise loop over the east‑central subtropical Atlantic before gradually turning northeastward and weakening. The system existed from 7 September until it dissipated around 19 September, with the period of most notable activity from about 11–15 September. Margot did not make landfall at any time. The storm remained over open ocean throughout its life, and there were no coastal watches or warnings issued for any land areas. The hurricane reached its maximum intensity on 13 September, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 80 knots (about 92 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 969 mb. At that time Margot was a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Tropical‑storm‑force winds extended roughly 200 nautical miles from the center, reflecting the storm’s large size. Because Margot stayed well offshore, there were no reports of storm surge or rainfall impacts on land in the NHC report. No ships or land stations reported tropical‑storm‑force winds, and no surge or rainfall totals at named cities or counties were recorded in association with Margot. There were no reported deaths or damage attributed to Margot. The NHC noted no reports of casualties or property impacts connected to the storm. Noteworthy items include Margot’s relatively low central pressure for its peak winds, attributed to its large size and broad wind field, and a prolonged eyewall replacement cycle during its intensification. Forecast performance was mixed: official track forecasts were better than recent averages at short lead times (12–48 h) but worse at longer lead times (60–120 h), while official intensity forecasts were better than recent averages at all lead times.