Tropical Cyclone Matmo Struck Southern China Bringing Massive Evacuations
Typhoon Matmo made landfall on the southern shores of China on the weekend, shortly after sweeping across the provincial island of Hainan. The severe weather led to the relocation of approximately 350,000 people, delivering torrential rain and damaging winds, particularly between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Hainan's Wenchang. Boat transport were suspended and flights cancelled at the airport in Haikou.
Storm Details
The typhoon, the 21st typhoon of 2025, recorded wind speeds of 151km/h and dumped more than 50mm of rainfall in a short period in Chongzou and Qinzhou. Urban areas of the region also received significant rain amounts.
The storm triggered China's highest-level emergency warning, with disruptions in the city, where businesses, transportation systems and highways were shut. In the special administrative region, numerous air services were impacted and dozens called off.
Forecast and Movement
As Matmo advances inward towards the provincial area in the neighboring country, it is projected to diminish into a less intense system with 55mph winds but will persist to bring substantial precipitation. Vietnam's northern regions could experience significant rainfall on the following day, raising the threat of flooding and mudslides. The system is anticipated to move towards Yunnan region in China, where further intense rain is probable.
Global Weather Events
Meanwhile, Hurricane Priscilla formed off the Pacific shoreline of Mexico on the weekend, first as a storm system. It led to a storm watch for the southwestern areas from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita on the start of the week.
In the early hours of Sunday, Priscilla was about 491 kilometers from Cabo Corrientes with continuous gusts of 105km/h. It strengthened into a severe cyclone in the night, when wind speeds peaked at 121km/h.
Although unlikely to hit the coast, Priscilla is likely to generate hazardous swells and strong currents as it moves northwestward along the coast towards a Mexican state. Heavy rainfall is predicted on the coming day, reaching a considerable volume in Michoacán and western Guerrero, with local totals at about 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could face 50-100mm.
In other parts, a cyclone named Shakhti has formed as the first post-monsoon cyclonic storm of 2025 in the Arabian Sea, prompting an warning from the India Meteorological Department for Maharashtra. On that day, the cyclone was 130 miles southeast of Ras al Hadd, Oman with maximum sustained winds of 103km/h.
Shakhti, which has moved in a southwestern direction and weakened, is predicted to turn towards the east into the Arabian Sea. Turbulent waters are expected to continue along the coastal stretch and intense rain is expected in shoreline areas including specific Indian cities.
