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== Meteorological History ==
== Meteorological History ==
On 4 March, the BoM noted the formation of a tropical low over south of Indonesia's [[Sumatra]] or [[Java, Indonesia|Java]], designating it as 09U.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/ |title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast 08:31 am UTC 4 March 2024 |date=4 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240304100551/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/|archive-date=4 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Over the next couple of days, the BoM reported that it was developing over the western [[Timor Sea]] within the trough.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/ |title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast 11:14 am UTC 12 March 2024 |date=12 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240313004852/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/|archive-date=13 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Analysis from the JTWC indicated that the disturbance was in a favourable environment for development—featuring sea surface temperatures of {{convert|29|to|31|C|abbr=on|F}}, and low to moderate wind shear.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2024-03-13-1030-abioweb.txt|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean March 13 2024 10:30z |date=11 March 2024 |publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center |archive-url=https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2024-03-11-1930-abpwweb.txt|archive-date=13 March 2024 |url-status=dead |accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref> By 15 March, the JTWC issued a TCFA on the tropical low and warned that there was a high potential for the disturbance to develop into a tropical cyclone.<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=15 March 2024|type=tcfa|designation=94S|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh9424web.txt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240318000000/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh9424web.txt|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2024-03-15-0110-sh9424web.txt Alt URL]</ref> The tropical low moved into the Gulf of Carpentaria,<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=16 March 2024|type=prog|category=TC|designation=19S|no=3|name=Nineteen|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240318000000/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|url-status=live|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2024-03-16-0250-sh1924prog.txt Alt URL]</ref> whereupon it gradually organised and began to intensify.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt |title=Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 0701 UTC 15/03/2024 |date=15 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240316124835/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ADRM/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20240315/070100/A_AXAU01ADRM150701_C_RJTD_20240315070318_1.txt|archive-date=16 March 2024}}</ref> The same day, the JTWC upgraded the system to Tropical Cyclone 19S, approximately {{convert|367|km|abbr=on|round=5}} east of [[Darwin, Northern Territory]].<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=15 March 2024|type=warn|category=TC|designation=19S|no=1|name=Nineteen|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240318000000/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|url-status=live|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2024-03-15-1410-sh1924web.txt Alt URL]</ref> Later the next day, the BoM reported that the tropical low had developed into a Category 1 tropical cyclone and assigned the name ''Megan''.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt |title=Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 0706 UTC 16/03/2024 |date=16 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240316125847/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ADRM/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20240316/070600/A_AXAU01ADRM160706_C_RJTD_20240316070817_60.txt|archive-date=16 March 2024}}</ref> Rapid intensification began the same day, with Megan reaching Category 2 tropical cyclone.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt |title=Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 1316 UTC 16/03/2024 |date=16 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240316132711/https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ax/axau01.adrm..txt|archive-date=16 March 2024}}</ref> The BoM upgraded the storm to a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone at 09:00 UTC,<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDD20150.html|title=Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 18|date=17 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240317054947/http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDD20150.html|archive-date=17 March 2024}}</ref> just after one-minute sustained winds had reached the equivalent of minimal hurricane intensity.<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=16 March 2024|type=prog|category=TC|designation=19P|no=6|name=Megan|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240318000000/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|url-status=live|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2024-03-16-2030-sh1924prog.txt Alt URL]</ref> Gradually approaching the southwestern coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria,<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=17 March 2024|type=warn|category=TC|designation=19P|no=10|name=Megan|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240318000000/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|url-status=live|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2024-03-17-2020-sh1924prog.txt Alt URL]</ref> the JTWC indicated that one-minute sustained winds had reached {{convert|100|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|order=out|round=5}}, equivalent to a Category&nbsp;3 major hurricane on the SSHWS.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JTWC Best Track on Tropical Cyclone Megan (19P) |url=https://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/ATCF/JTWC/bsh192024.dat|access-date=18 March 2023 |website= |publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] }}</ref> Megan made landfall on the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria coast just after 06:00 UTC on 18 March.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt |title=Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 0717 UTC 18/03/2024 |date=18 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240318123252/http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDD20020.txt|archive-date=18 March 2024}}</ref> Shortly after the landfall, the JTWC discontinued warnings on the system.<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=18 March 2024|type=warn|category=TC|designation=19P|no=12|name=Megan|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318124209/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1924web.txt|url-status=live|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}}</ref> After moving ashore, the cyclone turned generally southeast and tracked along the inland of [[Borroloola]].<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDD20150.html|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Tropical Cyclone Megan (Category 2)|date=18 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240318132005/http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD65011.shtml|archive-date=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDD20150.html|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Tropical Cyclone Megan (Category 1)|date=18 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318163755/http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD65011.shtml|archive-date=18 March 2024}}</ref> The following day, the system was downgraded to a tropical low by the BoM as it approached the inland coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD65011.shtml|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan |date=18 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318222107/http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD65011.shtml|archive-date=18 March 2024}}</ref> Ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan moved inland, tracking across the Northern Territory, before the BoM stopped monitoring the low on 21 March.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/ |title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast 11:59 am UTC 21 March 2024 |date=21 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=21 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240321023203/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/|archive-date=21 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/ |title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast 08:21 am UTC 20 March 2024 |date=20 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=20 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240320140302/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/|archive-date=20 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 4 March, the BoM noted the formation of a tropical low over south of Indonesia's [[Sumatra]] or [[Java, Indonesia|Java]], designating it as 09U.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/ |title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast 08:31 am UTC 4 March 2024 |date=4 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=4 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240304100551/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/|archive-date=4 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Over the next couple of days, the BoM reported that it was developing over the western [[Timor Sea]] within the trough.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/ |title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast 11:14 am UTC 12 March 2024 |date=12 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240313004852/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/|archive-date=13 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Analysis from the JTWC indicated that the disturbance was in a favourable environment for development—featuring sea surface temperatures of {{convert|29|to|31|C|abbr=on|F}}, and low to moderate wind shear.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2024-03-13-1030-abioweb.txt|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean March 13 2024 10:30z |date=11 March 2024 |publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center |archive-url=https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2024-03-11-1930-abpwweb.txt|archive-date=13 March 2024 |url-status=dead |accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref> By 15 March, the JTWC issued a TCFA on the tropical low and warned that there was a high potential for the disturbance to develop into a tropical cyclone.<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=15 March 2024|type=tcfa|designation=94S|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh9424web.txt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240318000000/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh9424web.txt|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2024-03-15-0110-sh9424web.txt Alt URL]</ref> The tropical low moved into the Gulf of Carpentaria,<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=16 March 2024|type=prog|category=TC|designation=19S|no=3|name=Nineteen|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240318000000/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|url-status=live|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2024-03-16-0250-sh1924prog.txt Alt URL]</ref> whereupon it gradually organised and began to intensify.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt |title=Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 0701 UTC 15/03/2024 |date=15 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240316124835/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ADRM/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20240315/070100/A_AXAU01ADRM150701_C_RJTD_20240315070318_1.txt|archive-date=16 March 2024}}</ref> The same day, the JTWC upgraded the system to Tropical Cyclone 19S, approximately {{convert|367|km|abbr=on|round=5}} east of [[Darwin, Northern Territory]].<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=15 March 2024|type=warn|category=TC|designation=19S|no=1|name=Nineteen|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240318000000/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|url-status=live|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2024-03-15-1410-sh1924web.txt Alt URL]</ref> Later the next day, the BoM reported that the tropical low had developed into a Category 1 tropical cyclone and assigned the name ''Megan''.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt |title=Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 0706 UTC 16/03/2024 |date=16 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240316125847/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ADRM/Alphanumeric/Analysis/Miscellaneous/20240316/070600/A_AXAU01ADRM160706_C_RJTD_20240316070817_60.txt|archive-date=16 March 2024}}</ref> Rapid intensification began the same day, with Megan reaching Category 2 tropical cyclone.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt |title=Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 1316 UTC 16/03/2024 |date=16 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240316132711/https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ax/axau01.adrm..txt|archive-date=16 March 2024}}</ref> The BoM upgraded the storm to a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone at 09:00 UTC,<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDD20150.html|title=Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 18|date=17 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240317054947/http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDD20150.html|archive-date=17 March 2024}}</ref> just after one-minute sustained winds had reached the equivalent of minimal hurricane intensity.<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=16 March 2024|type=prog|category=TC|designation=19P|no=6|name=Megan|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240318000000/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|url-status=live|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2024-03-16-2030-sh1924prog.txt Alt URL]</ref> Gradually approaching the southwestern coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria,<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=17 March 2024|type=warn|category=TC|designation=19P|no=10|name=Megan|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240318000000/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|url-status=live|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2024-03-17-2020-sh1924prog.txt Alt URL]</ref> the JTWC indicated that one-minute sustained winds had reached {{convert|100|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|order=out|round=5}}, equivalent to a Category&nbsp;3 major hurricane on the SSHWS.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JTWC Best Track on Tropical Cyclone Megan (19P) |url=https://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/ATCF/JTWC/bsh192024.dat|access-date=18 March 2023 |website= |publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] }}</ref> Megan made landfall on the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria coast just after 06:00 UTC on 18 March.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20018.txt |title=Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 0717 UTC 18/03/2024 |date=18 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240318123252/http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDD20020.txt|archive-date=18 March 2024}}</ref> Shortly after the landfall, the JTWC discontinued warnings on the system.<ref>{{cite JTWC|date=18 March 2024|type=warn|category=TC|designation=19P|no=12|name=Megan|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1824web.txt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318124209/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1924web.txt|url-status=live|archive-date=18 March 2024|access-date=18 March 2024}}</ref> After moving ashore, the cyclone turned generally southeast and tracked along the inland of [[Borroloola]].<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDD20150.html|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Tropical Cyclone Megan (Category 2)|date=18 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240318132005/http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD65011.shtml|archive-date=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDD20150.html|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Tropical Cyclone Megan (Category 1)|date=18 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318163755/http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD65011.shtml|archive-date=18 March 2024}}</ref> The following day, the system was downgraded to a tropical low by the BoM as it approached the inland coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD65011.shtml|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan |date=18 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318222107/http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD65011.shtml|archive-date=18 March 2024}}</ref> Ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan moved inland, tracking across the Northern Territory, before the BoM stopped monitoring the low on 21 March.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/ |title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast 11:59 am UTC 21 March 2024 |date=21 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=21 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240321023203/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/|archive-date=21 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/ |title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast 08:21 am UTC 20 March 2024 |date=20 March 2024 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=20 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240320140302/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/|archive-date=20 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
== Preparations and Impact ==
== Preparations and impact ==
Before Megan made landfall, gusts of {{Convert|60|knot|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} were recorded in [[Arnhem Land]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-03-17 |title=Australia's north braces for Tropical Cyclone Megan |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australias-north-braces-tropical-cyclone-megan-2024-03-17/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> A planned evacuation in Borroloola was cancelled as planes were not able to land. [[Groote Eylandt]] got {{convert|600|mm|in|abbr=on|order=out|round=5}} of rain.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Cyclone weakens to a tropical low while bringing rain and wind to Australia's northern coast |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/tropical-cyclone-megan-crossing-australias-northern-coast-strong-108258018 |access-date=30 March 2024 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref>
Before Megan made landfall, gusts of {{Convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} were recorded in [[Arnhem Land]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-03-17 |title=Australia's north braces for Tropical Cyclone Megan |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australias-north-braces-tropical-cyclone-megan-2024-03-17/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> A planned evacuation in Borroloola was cancelled as planes were not able to land. [[Groote Eylandt]] got {{convert|600|mm|in|abbr=on|order=out|round=5}} of rain.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Cyclone weakens to a tropical low while bringing rain and wind to Australia's northern coast |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/tropical-cyclone-megan-crossing-australias-northern-coast-strong-108258018 |access-date=30 March 2024 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> The [[McArthur River zinc mine]], a major mine in the region, was evacuated due to the cyclone.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tropical Cyclone Megan Makes Landfall in Australia’s North |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/tosv2.html?vid=&uuid=e494ebaf-0ea7-11ef-bbd4-c933a592de61&url=L25ld3MvYXJ0aWNsZXMvMjAyNC0wMy0xNy90cm9waWNhbC1jeWNsb25lLW1lZ2FuLWNsb3Nlcy1tYWpvci1taW5lLWluLWF1c3RyYWxpYS1zLW5vcnRo |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.bloomberg.com}}</ref>





Revision as of 08:38, 10 May 2024

This page is about the 2024 Australian region tropical cyclone. For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named Kirrily.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Megan
Cyclone Megan near peak intensity on 17 March
Meteorological history
Formed13 March 2024
Remnant low18 March 2024
Dissipated21 March 2024
Duration1 week and 1 day
Category 3 severe tropical cyclone
10-minute sustained (BOM)
Highest winds155 km/h (100 mph)
Lowest pressure955 hPa (mbar); 28.20 inHg
Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds185 km/h (115 mph)
Lowest pressure951 hPa (mbar); 28.08 inHg
Overall effects
FatalitiesNone
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedIndonesia, Northern Territory, West Australia
Part of the 2023–24 Australian region cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone Megan was an intense tropical cyclone which affected the Northern Territory and Western Australia in March 2024. The eight tropical low, fifth tropical cyclone, and fourth severe tropical cyclone of the 2023–24 Australian region cyclone season, Megan was first mentioned by the Bureau of Meteorology on 4 March. After becoming a tropical low (09U) on 13 March, the cyclone entered the Gulf of Carpentaria, steadily intensifying, becoming a tropical cyclone on 16 March. Megan would peak as a severe tropical cyclone just before making landfall near Borroloola two days. Megan rapidly weakened soon after, dissipating on 21 March.

Meteorological History

On 4 March, the BoM noted the formation of a tropical low over south of Indonesia's Sumatra or Java, designating it as 09U.[1] Over the next couple of days, the BoM reported that it was developing over the western Timor Sea within the trough.[2] Analysis from the JTWC indicated that the disturbance was in a favourable environment for development—featuring sea surface temperatures of 29 to 31 °C (84 to 88 °F), and low to moderate wind shear.[3] By 15 March, the JTWC issued a TCFA on the tropical low and warned that there was a high potential for the disturbance to develop into a tropical cyclone.[4] The tropical low moved into the Gulf of Carpentaria,[5] whereupon it gradually organised and began to intensify.[6] The same day, the JTWC upgraded the system to Tropical Cyclone 19S, approximately 367 km (230 mi) east of Darwin, Northern Territory.[7] Later the next day, the BoM reported that the tropical low had developed into a Category 1 tropical cyclone and assigned the name Megan.[8] Rapid intensification began the same day, with Megan reaching Category 2 tropical cyclone.[9] The BoM upgraded the storm to a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone at 09:00 UTC,[10] just after one-minute sustained winds had reached the equivalent of minimal hurricane intensity.[11] Gradually approaching the southwestern coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria,[12] the JTWC indicated that one-minute sustained winds had reached 185 km/h (115 mph), equivalent to a Category 3 major hurricane on the SSHWS.[13] Megan made landfall on the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria coast just after 06:00 UTC on 18 March.[14] Shortly after the landfall, the JTWC discontinued warnings on the system.[15] After moving ashore, the cyclone turned generally southeast and tracked along the inland of Borroloola.[16][17] The following day, the system was downgraded to a tropical low by the BoM as it approached the inland coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.[18] Ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan moved inland, tracking across the Northern Territory, before the BoM stopped monitoring the low on 21 March.[19][20]

Preparations and impact

Before Megan made landfall, gusts of 70 mph (115 km/h) were recorded in Arnhem Land.[21] A planned evacuation in Borroloola was cancelled as planes were not able to land. Groote Eylandt got 600 mm (25 in) of rain.[22] The McArthur River zinc mine, a major mine in the region, was evacuated due to the cyclone.[23]



References

  1. ^ Tropical Cyclone Forecast 08:31 am UTC 4 March 2024 (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 4 March 2024. Archived from the original on 4 March 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  2. ^ Tropical Cyclone Forecast 11:14 am UTC 12 March 2024 (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 12 March 2024. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  3. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean March 13 2024 10:30z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 11 March 2024. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  4. ^ Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (Invest 94S) (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 15 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024. Alt URL
  5. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Cyclone 19S (Nineteen) Warning No. 3 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 16 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024. Alt URL
  6. ^ Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 0701 UTC 15/03/2024 (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 15 March 2024. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  7. ^ Tropical Cyclone 19S (Nineteen) Warning No. 1 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 15 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024. Alt URL
  8. ^ Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 0706 UTC 16/03/2024 (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 16 March 2024. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  9. ^ Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 1316 UTC 16/03/2024 (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 16 March 2024. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  10. ^ Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 18 (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 17 March 2024. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  11. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Cyclone 19P (Megan) Warning No. 6 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 16 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024. Alt URL
  12. ^ Tropical Cyclone 19P (Megan) Warning No. 10 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 17 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024. Alt URL
  13. ^ "JTWC Best Track on Tropical Cyclone Megan (19P)". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  14. ^ Northern Region Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin issued at 0717 UTC 18/03/2024 (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 18 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  15. ^ Tropical Cyclone 19P (Megan) Warning No. 12 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 18 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  16. ^ Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Tropical Cyclone Megan (Category 2) (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 18 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  17. ^ Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Tropical Cyclone Megan (Category 1) (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 18 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  18. ^ Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 18 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  19. ^ Tropical Cyclone Forecast 11:59 am UTC 21 March 2024 (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 21 March 2024. Archived from the original on 21 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  20. ^ Tropical Cyclone Forecast 08:21 am UTC 20 March 2024 (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 20 March 2024. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  21. ^ "Australia's north braces for Tropical Cyclone Megan". Reuters. 2024-03-17. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  22. ^ "Cyclone weakens to a tropical low while bringing rain and wind to Australia's northern coast". ABC News. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  23. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Megan Makes Landfall in Australia's North". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
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