Typhoon Matmo Struck Southern China Causing Widespread Evacuations
The powerful storm struck the coast on the southern shores of China on the weekend, following its sweeping across the island province of Hainan. The severe weather led to the evacuation of approximately 350,000 people, bringing torrential rain and destructive gusts, particularly between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Wenchang in Hainan. Boat transport were suspended and air travel disrupted at Haikou Meilan airport.
Typhoon Statistics
Matmo, the 21st typhoon of the year, had sustained wind speeds of 151km/h and poured over 50mm of precipitation in a short period in Chongzou and Qinzhou. The city of Nanning also experienced high rainfall totals.
The storm prompted China's top-tier emergency warning, with disturbances in the city, where businesses, transportation systems and highways were closed. In the special administrative region, numerous air services were affected and dozens called off.
Forecast and Movement
As the typhoon advances inward towards Cao Bang province in the neighboring country, it is projected to diminish into a tropical depression with 89km/h winds but will continue to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could face 130-150mm on the following day, increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides. The system is expected to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further intense rain is probable.
Other Storm Systems
At the same time, a hurricane named Priscilla formed off Mexico's Pacific coast on the weekend, initially as a tropical storm. It prompted a weather alert for south-western regions from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita on Monday.
In the early hours of Sunday, the hurricane was about 305 miles from a Mexican cape with continuous gusts 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 a Mexican state. Substantial rain is predicted on the coming day, reaching a considerable volume in specific Mexican states, with some areas at about 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could receive 50-100mm.
In other parts, a cyclone named Shakhti has formed as the initial post-season storm system of 2025 in the a body of water, prompting an warning from the India Meteorological Department for an Indian state. On that day, Shakhti was 130 miles southeast of Ras al Hadd, Oman with peak wind speeds of 103km/h.
Shakhti, which has moved in a southwestern direction and lost strength, is forecast to recurve eastward into the the sea. Rough seas are expected to continue along the Gujarat-North Maharashtra coast and heavy rainfall is expected in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.
