MARGOT

History

Severe Tropical Cyclone Margot developed from a tropical low within an active monsoon trough on 10 April 1985, originating approximately 600 kilometres southwest of Jakarta, Indonesia. It was the final storm of the 1984–85 Australian region cyclone season, which was one of the most active on record. After forming, the system initially drifted southwestward before a breakdown in regional steering currents caused its track to become highly erratic. Between 14 and 18 April, Margot executed two consecutive clockwise loops over the open ocean — an exceptionally rare meteorological behaviour that made the system difficult for forecasters to track using the satellite technology available at the time. This behavior became known as the "Zombie" Phenomenon. Margot’s extensive looping behavior made it exceptionally difficult for early satellite forecasters to track, making it a historical case study for how complex upper-level winds can stall a severe system in place.

Following these loops, the cyclone settled onto a more consistent southwestward track and underwent rapid intensification, reaching its peak as a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone on 21 April 1985. At its most intense, Margot produced maximum 10-minute sustained winds of 165 km/h and a minimum central pressure of 942 hPa. The system subsequently encountered increasing vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures, causing it to weaken rapidly before dissipating entirely over the open ocean on 24 April 1985.

Throughout its entire duration, Margot remained well out to sea and posed no threat to the Australian mainland or nearby islands. No damage or casualties were recorded as a result of the storm.

Sources: Bureau of Meteorology report Wikipedia