Last mentioned: Mar 21, 2026
Downgrade
The system is downgraded to a tropical low as it moves inland toward the Barkly region.
Landfall and Stalling
Megan makes landfall and slows to <10km/h, dumping extreme rainfall on saturated ground.
Intensification
The system reaches Category 3 status as it approaches the southwestern Gulf coast.
Storm Formation
Tropical Cyclone Megan forms in the Gulf of Carpentaria during a heavy monsoon.
A slow-moving Category 3 tropical cyclone has stalled over the Northern Territory’s Gulf country, dumping record rainfall on communities already reeling from a record-breaking monsoon season. The disaster has isolated remote towns like Borroloola and forced the suspension of major mining operations, highlighting the growing risk of 'stalling' storms.
The New South Wales government has announced a ban on all new coal mines at greenfield sites, marking a decisive pivot in the state's energy and environmental strategy. This policy aims to align the state's resource sector with long-term climate targets while prioritizing the extension of existing operations over new developments.
The vast mining waste deposits in Sudbury, Ontario, are being re-evaluated as a vital source of critical minerals necessary for national security and defense technologies. By extracting high-value materials from existing tailings, Canada and its allies aim to secure supply chains for nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements while reducing reliance on foreign adversaries.
The UK's blue-chip index found stability as a surge in aerospace and financial data services offset a significant downturn in the mining sector. Rolls-Royce's continued operational recovery and LSEG's strong data performance provided the necessary tailwinds to mitigate losses from commodity-linked stocks.