Severe Tropical Cyclone “Megan” reaches Category 3, landfall expected on March 18, Australia

Severe Tropical Cyclone “Megan” reaches Category 3, landfall expected on March 18, Australia

Tropical Cyclone “Megan” formed on March 16, 2024, in the Gulf of Carpentaria as the 5th named storm of the 2023/24 Australian region cyclone season. Megan has reached Category 3 intensity today and is forecast to cross the southwest coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, most likely on Monday, March 18, with wind gusts up to 220 km/h (137 mph).

6 months’ worth of rain cuts off Western Australia, leaves 7 people missing

6 months’ worth of rain cuts off Western Australia, leaves 7 people missing

Extremely heavy rains have struck Western Australia over the past couple of days, causing significant flooding that has severed the main route connecting Western Australia with the rest of the country. The flooding has also left seven people missing since Sunday, March 10, 2024.

Thousands urged to evacuate as wildfire rages near Ballarat, Victoria

Thousands urged to evacuate as wildfire rages near Ballarat, Victoria

An emergency warning has been issued for 28 communities west of Ballarat, Victoria, as residents are urged to evacuate due to an out-of-control bushfire. The fire, which ignited along Bayindeen-Rocky Road, is being fought by 1 000 firefighters with support from 24 aircraft and 100 vehicles.

Severe thunderstorm hits Sydney, lightning strikes injure 4, set 3 homes on fire, Australia

Severe thunderstorm hits Sydney, lightning strikes injure 4, set 3 homes on fire, Australia

Severe storms hit NSW, Australia on February 19, 2024, causing injuries, transport shutdown, and flash flooding. The storms have resulted in four people injured by a lightning strike, significant transport disruptions, and the ignition of three houses. Sydney recorded up to 57 mm (2.24 inches) of rain, intensifying the risk of flash flooding across the state.

Massive power outages hit Victoria during violent thunderstorms, Australia

Massive power outages hit Victoria during violent thunderstorms, Australia

Violent thunderstorms struck Australia’s east coast on February 13, 2024, leading to significant damage and disruptions. The storms caused the shutdown of AGL’s Loy Yang A power station in Victoria, leaving approximately 590 000 homes and businesses without electricity. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) was forced to cap electricity prices at A$16,600 per megawatt hour, a significant increase from the usual A$200. Efforts to restore power are ongoing, with some customers already reconnected.

Monsoon to drench parts of northern Australia with heavy rains

Monsoon to drench parts of northern Australia with heavy rains

Parts of northern Australia, including Darwin, are bracing for their first monsoon of the season, with forecasts predicting up to 600 mm (23.6 inches) of rain in a week, potentially leading to widespread flooding and cyclone activity.