Tropical Cyclone Matmo Slammed Southern China Causing Widespread Evacuations

Typhoon Matmo struck the coast on the coastal regions of China on Sunday afternoon, following its sweeping across the island province of Hainan. The intense weather forced the evacuation of around 350,000 people, bringing torrential rain and destructive gusts, especially between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Wenchang in Hainan. Boat transport were suspended and air travel disrupted at Haikou Meilan airport.

Typhoon Statistics

Matmo, the 21st typhoon of 2025, recorded wind speeds of 151km/h and poured more than 50mm of rainfall in a short period in Qinzhou and Chongzou. Urban areas of the region also received significant rain amounts.

Matmo triggered China's highest-level emergency warning, with disruptions in the city, where businesses, transport links and highways were closed. In the special administrative region, numerous air services were affected and dozens called off.

Future Projections

As Matmo advances inward towards Cao Bang province in Vietnam, it is expected to weaken into a less intense system with 89km/h winds but will continue to bring substantial precipitation. Vietnam's northern regions could face 130-150mm on the following day, increasing the threat of inundation and mudslides. The system is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further heavy rainfall is probable.

Global Weather Events

Meanwhile, a hurricane named Priscilla formed off Mexico's Pacific coast on Saturday night, initially as a storm system. It led to a weather alert for the southwestern areas from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita on Monday.

In the morning of Sunday, the hurricane was about 491 kilometers from Cabo Corrientes with sustained winds of 65mph. It strengthened into a severe cyclone in the night, when wind speeds reached at 121km/h.

Although unlikely to make landfall, Priscilla is expected to produce dangerous waves and strong currents as it moves north-west along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Heavy rainfall is forecast on Monday, reaching a considerable volume in specific Mexican states, with some areas at about 20 centimeters. Other regions could face moderate to heavy rain.

In other parts, a cyclone named Shakhti has developed as the initial post-season cyclonic storm of the year in the a body of water, prompting an warning from the national weather agency for Maharashtra. On that day, the cyclone was 209 kilometers southeast of a location in Oman with peak wind speeds of 64mph.

The storm, which has tracked south-westward and lost strength, is predicted to recurve eastward into the Arabian Sea. Turbulent waters are likely to persist along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is anticipated in shoreline areas including Dwarka, Jamnagar and Surat.

Charlotte Jordan
Charlotte Jordan

A seasoned real estate expert with over 15 years of experience in property investment and market analysis.