🔗 Share this article

The powerful storm struck the coast on the southern shores of China on the weekend, following its sweeping across the island province of Hainan. The severe weather forced the relocation of around 350,000 people, delivering heavy downpours and damaging winds, especially between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Hainan's Wenchang. Boat transport were suspended and flights cancelled at Haikou Meilan airport.

Storm Details

Matmo, the 21st cyclone of the year, recorded wind speeds of 94mph and dumped more than 50mm of rainfall in six hours in Chongzou and Qinzhou. The city of Nanning also received significant rain amounts.

The storm prompted China's top-tier red alert, with disruptions in the city, where commercial activities, transportation systems and highways were shut. In Hong Kong, numerous air services were affected and dozens called off.

Future Projections

As the typhoon moves inland towards Cao Bang province in the neighboring country, it is expected to diminish into a less intense system with 89km/h winds but will persist to bring substantial precipitation. Northern Vietnam could experience significant rainfall on Monday, raising the risk of inundation and mudslides. The weather pattern is expected to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further heavy rainfall is likely.

Other Storm Systems

Meanwhile, Hurricane Priscilla developed off Mexico's Pacific coast on Saturday night, first as a storm system. It prompted a weather alert for the southwestern areas from Punta San Telmo to another location on the start of the week.

In the morning of Sunday, the hurricane was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes with sustained winds of 65mph. It intensified into a hurricane in the evening, when sustained winds peaked at 121km/h.

Although unlikely to make landfall, Priscilla is expected to produce hazardous swells and strong currents as it moves north-west along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Substantial rain is forecast on the coming day, reaching a considerable volume in specific Mexican states, with local totals at about 200mm. Colima and western Jalisco could face 50-100mm.

Elsewhere, Cyclone Shakhti has developed as the initial post-season storm system of the year in the a body of water, prompting an warning from the India Meteorological Department for an Indian state. On Sunday, the cyclone was 209 kilometers southeast of Ras al Hadd, Oman with maximum sustained winds of 64mph.

Shakhti, which has moved south-westward and lost strength, is predicted to turn eastward into the Arabian Sea. Turbulent waters are likely to continue along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is expected in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.