Tropical Cyclone Matmo Hit Coastal China Causing Massive Evacuations
The powerful storm made landfall on the coastal regions of China on Sunday afternoon, following its passage over the provincial island 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 Wenchang in Hainan. Boat transport were halted and air travel disrupted at Haikou Meilan airport.
Typhoon Statistics
The typhoon, this year's 21st typhoon of 2025, had sustained wind speeds of 151km/h and poured over 50mm of precipitation in six hours in Chongzou and Qinzhou. The city of Nanning also received high rainfall totals.
Matmo triggered China's highest-level emergency warning, with disturbances in Zhanjiang, where commercial activities, transport links and roads were closed. In Hong Kong, 100 flights were affected and 30 cancelled.
Future Projections
As Matmo moves inland towards the provincial area in the neighboring country, it is expected to weaken into a less intense system with 89km/h winds but will continue to bring heavy rainfall. Vietnam's northern regions could experience 130-150mm on the following day, increasing the threat of flooding and mudslides. The system is expected to move towards Yunnan region in China, where further heavy rainfall is probable.
Global Weather Events
At the same time, a hurricane named Priscilla formed off Mexico's Pacific coast on Saturday night, first as a tropical storm. It led to a storm watch for the southwestern areas from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita on Monday.
In the morning of the next day, the hurricane was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes with sustained winds of 65mph. It strengthened into a severe cyclone in the evening, when wind speeds peaked at 75mph.
Though not expected to make landfall, Priscilla is likely to produce dangerous waves and rip currents as it moves north-west along the coast towards a Mexican state. Heavy rainfall is forecast on Monday, reaching 100-150mm in Michoacán and western Guerrero, with local totals at about 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could receive 50-100mm.
In other parts, a cyclone named Shakhti has developed as the initial post-season storm system of the year in the Arabian Sea, causing an alert from the India Meteorological Department for an Indian state. On that day, Shakhti was 209 kilometers south-east of a location in Oman with peak wind speeds of 103km/h.
Shakhti, which has tracked south-westward and lost strength, is forecast to recurve towards the east into the the sea. Turbulent waters are expected to persist along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is anticipated in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.