Typhoon Matmo Slammed Southern China Causing Massive Relocations
The powerful storm struck the coast on the coastal regions of China on the weekend, shortly after passage over the provincial island of Hainan. The severe weather forced the evacuation of around 350,000 people, delivering torrential rain and destructive gusts, particularly between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Hainan's Wenchang. Ferry services were halted and flights cancelled at the airport in Haikou.
Storm Details
The typhoon, this year's 21st typhoon of 2025, recorded wind speeds of 151km/h and dumped over 50mm of precipitation in a short period in Chongzou and Qinzhou. Urban areas of Nanning also received high rainfall totals.
The storm prompted China's highest-level red alert, with disruptions in Zhanjiang, where commercial activities, transport links and roads were shut. In Hong Kong, numerous air services were impacted and 30 cancelled.
Forecast and Movement
As Matmo advances inward towards Cao Bang province in Vietnam, it is expected to weaken into a tropical depression with 89km/h winds but will continue to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could face 130-150mm on Monday, increasing the risk of inundation and mudslides. The system is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further heavy rainfall is likely.
Other Storm Systems
Meanwhile, a hurricane named Priscilla formed off Mexico's Pacific coast on Saturday night, first as a tropical storm. It led to a weather alert for south-western regions from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita on Monday.
In the early hours of the next day, Priscilla was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes with sustained winds of 105km/h. It strengthened into a severe cyclone in the evening, when wind speeds peaked at 121km/h.
Though not expected to hit the coast, Priscilla is likely to generate dangerous waves and strong currents as it moves northwestward along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Substantial rain is predicted on the coming day, reaching a considerable volume in Michoacán and western Guerrero, with local totals at about 20 centimeters. Other regions could receive moderate to heavy rain.
In other parts, Cyclone Shakhti has developed as the first post-monsoon storm system of the year in the a body of water, prompting an warning from the national weather agency for Maharashtra. On that day, Shakhti was 209 kilometers southeast of Ras al Hadd, 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 anticipated in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.
