Typhoon Matmo Slammed Southern China Causing Massive Relocations
The powerful storm struck the coast on the coastal regions of China on Sunday afternoon, following its passage over the provincial island of Hainan. The intense weather led to the relocation of approximately 350,000 people, delivering heavy downpours and damaging winds, especially between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Hainan's Wenchang. Ferry services were halted and air travel disrupted at the airport in Haikou.
Storm Details
The typhoon, this year's 21st cyclone of the year, had sustained wind speeds of 151km/h and poured over 50mm of precipitation in six hours in Chongzou and Qinzhou. The city of Nanning also received high rainfall totals.
The storm triggered China's top-tier red alert, with disruptions in the city, where businesses, transport links and highways were closed. In the special administrative region, 100 flights were impacted and dozens called off.
Forecast and Movement
As the typhoon moves inland towards Cao Bang province in Vietnam, it is projected to diminish into a tropical depression with 89km/h winds but will continue to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could face significant rainfall on the following day, increasing the threat of flooding and landslides. The system is anticipated to move towards Yunnan region in China, where additional intense rain is likely.
Other Storm Systems
Meanwhile, Hurricane Priscilla developed off Mexico's Pacific coast on the weekend, initially as a tropical storm. It prompted a storm watch for south-western regions from Punta San Telmo to another location on Monday.
In the early hours of Sunday, Priscilla was about 305 miles from a Mexican cape with sustained winds of 65mph. It intensified into a hurricane in the night, when sustained winds peaked at 75mph.
Though not expected to make landfall, Priscilla is expected to produce dangerous waves and strong currents as it moves north-west along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Substantial rain is forecast on Monday, amounting to a considerable volume in Michoacán and western Guerrero, with local totals at about 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could face moderate to heavy rain.
Elsewhere, Cyclone Shakhti has formed as the initial post-season storm system of 2025 in the a body of water, prompting an alert from the India Meteorological Department for Maharashtra. On Sunday, Shakhti was 130 miles south-east of a location in Oman with maximum sustained winds of 64mph.
The storm, which has tracked south-westward and lost strength, is predicted to turn eastward into the Arabian Sea. Turbulent waters are expected to continue along the Gujarat-North Maharashtra coast and heavy rainfall is expected in shoreline areas including specific Indian cities.
