Tropical Cyclone Matmo Slammed Southern China Bringing Widespread Evacuations

Typhoon Matmo made landfall on the coastal regions of China on the weekend, shortly after passage over the provincial island of Hainan. The severe weather led to the relocation of approximately 350,000 residents, delivering torrential rain and destructive gusts, particularly between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Hainan's Wenchang. Boat transport were halted and flights cancelled at the airport in Haikou.

Storm Details

Matmo, the 21st cyclone of 2025, had sustained wind speeds of 151km/h and poured over 50mm of rainfall in six hours in Qinzhou and Chongzou. Urban areas of the region also experienced high rainfall totals.

Matmo triggered China's highest-level emergency warning, with disruptions in the city, where commercial activities, transportation systems and roads were shut. In Hong Kong, 100 flights were impacted and dozens called off.

Forecast and Movement

As Matmo advances inward towards Cao Bang province in Vietnam, 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 Monday, increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides. The weather pattern is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where additional intense rain is probable.

Global Weather Events

Meanwhile, a hurricane named Priscilla formed off the Pacific shoreline of Mexico on Saturday night, first as a tropical storm. It led to a storm watch for south-western regions from a coastal point to Punta Mita on the start of the week.

In the early hours of Sunday, the hurricane was about 305 miles from a Mexican cape with sustained winds of 105km/h. It intensified into a severe cyclone in the evening, when wind speeds reached at 121km/h.

Though not expected to make landfall, Priscilla is expected to generate hazardous swells and strong currents as it tracks north-west along the coast towards a Mexican state. Heavy rainfall is predicted on the coming day, reaching a considerable volume in specific Mexican states, with local totals at about 200mm. Other regions could receive 50-100mm.

In other parts, a cyclone named Shakhti has formed as the first post-monsoon cyclonic storm of 2025 in the a body of water, prompting an warning from the national weather agency for an Indian state. On Sunday, the cyclone was 130 miles southeast of a location in Oman with peak wind speeds of 64mph.

The storm, which has tracked south-westward and lost strength, is forecast to recurve towards the east into the the sea. Rough seas are likely to continue along the Gujarat-North Maharashtra coast and intense rain is anticipated in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.

Erik Schneider
Erik Schneider

A passionate curator and writer who loves sharing insights on subscription services and lifestyle trends.

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