Typhoon Matmo Hit Southern China Causing Massive Evacuations
The powerful storm struck the coast on the southern shores of China on the weekend, following its passage over the island province of Hainan. The severe weather led to the relocation of approximately 350,000 people, delivering heavy downpours and destructive gusts, particularly between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Hainan's Wenchang. Boat transport were halted and air travel disrupted at Haikou Meilan airport.
Storm Details
Matmo, the 21st cyclone of 2025, recorded wind speeds of 94mph and dumped over 50mm of rainfall in six hours in Chongzou and Qinzhou. Urban areas of Nanning also received high rainfall totals.
The storm prompted China's highest-level emergency warning, with disturbances in the city, where commercial activities, transport links and roads were shut. In Hong Kong, 100 flights were affected and 30 cancelled.
Forecast and Movement
As the typhoon moves inland towards the provincial area in the neighboring country, it is projected to weaken into a less intense system with 55mph winds but will persist to bring substantial precipitation. Northern Vietnam could face 130-150mm on Monday, increasing the threat of flooding and landslides. The weather pattern is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where additional heavy rainfall is probable.
Global Weather Events
Meanwhile, Hurricane Priscilla formed off the Pacific shoreline of Mexico on the weekend, initially as a tropical storm. It led to a storm watch for south-western regions from a coastal point to another location on the start of the week.
In the morning of Sunday, the hurricane was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes with continuous gusts of 105km/h. It strengthened into a severe cyclone in the evening, when wind speeds peaked at 121km/h.
Although unlikely to make landfall, Priscilla is expected to generate dangerous waves and strong currents as it moves northwestward along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Heavy rainfall is forecast on Monday, reaching 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 cyclonic storm of the year in the a body of water, causing an alert from the national weather agency for Maharashtra. On that day, the cyclone was 130 miles south-east of Ras al Hadd, Oman with peak wind speeds of 103km/h.
The storm, which has tracked in a southwestern direction and weakened, is forecast to recurve towards the east into the the sea. Rough seas are expected to persist along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is anticipated in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.
