Typhoon Matmo Slammed Southern China Bringing Massive Relocations
Typhoon Matmo made landfall on the coastal regions of China on the weekend, following its passage over the provincial island of Hainan. The intense weather forced the relocation of approximately 350,000 residents, delivering torrential rain and damaging winds, especially between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Hainan's Wenchang. Boat transport were suspended and air travel disrupted at the airport in Haikou.
Typhoon Statistics
The typhoon, this year's 21st typhoon of the year, had sustained wind speeds of 151km/h and dumped over 50mm of precipitation in six hours in Qinzhou and Chongzou. Urban areas of Nanning also received high rainfall totals.
The storm prompted China's top-tier red alert, with disturbances in the city, where businesses, transportation systems and highways were closed. In Hong Kong, numerous air services were affected and 30 cancelled.
Future Projections
As Matmo moves inland towards Cao Bang province in Vietnam, it is expected to diminish into a less intense system with 89km/h winds but will persist to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could face significant rainfall on the following day, increasing the threat of flooding and mudslides. The system is anticipated to move towards Yunnan region in China, where further intense rain is likely.
Global Weather Events
At the same time, Hurricane Priscilla developed off Mexico's Pacific coast on the weekend, first as a storm system. It led to a storm watch for the southwestern areas from a coastal point to Punta Mita on Monday.
In the early hours of Sunday, the hurricane was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes with sustained winds of 105km/h. It intensified into a severe cyclone in the evening, when sustained winds reached at 75mph.
Although unlikely to make landfall, Priscilla is expected to produce dangerous waves and strong currents as it tracks northwestward along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Heavy rainfall is predicted on Monday, reaching 100-150mm in Michoacán and western Guerrero, with some areas at about 200mm. Colima and western Jalisco could face 50-100mm.
In other parts, a cyclone named Shakhti has developed as the first post-monsoon storm system of 2025 in the a body of water, prompting an alert from the India Meteorological Department for Maharashtra. On that day, Shakhti was 130 miles southeast of a location in Oman with maximum sustained winds of 64mph.
Shakhti, which has moved in a southwestern direction and lost strength, is predicted to recurve towards the east into the Arabian Sea. Turbulent waters are expected to persist along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is anticipated in coastal districts including Dwarka, Jamnagar and Surat.
