Tropical Cyclone Matmo Hit Southern China Causing Widespread Relocations
The powerful storm made landfall on the southern shores of China on the weekend, following its passage over the provincial island of Hainan. The intense weather forced the relocation of around 350,000 people, delivering torrential rain and destructive gusts, especially between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Hainan's Wenchang. Ferry services were halted and flights cancelled at Haikou Meilan airport.
Storm Details
Matmo, this year's 21st cyclone of 2025, had sustained wind speeds of 151km/h and poured more than 50mm of precipitation in a short period in Qinzhou and Chongzou. Urban areas of Nanning also received significant rain amounts.
The storm prompted China's highest-level emergency warning, with disturbances in the city, where commercial activities, transport links and roads were closed. In the special administrative region, numerous air services were impacted and 30 cancelled.
Forecast and Movement
As Matmo advances inward towards the provincial area in Vietnam, it is expected to diminish into a tropical depression with 89km/h winds but will persist to bring substantial precipitation. Northern Vietnam could experience 130-150mm on Monday, increasing the threat of inundation and mudslides. The weather pattern is anticipated to move towards Yunnan region in China, where further heavy rainfall is probable.
Other Storm Systems
Meanwhile, a hurricane named Priscilla developed off Mexico's Pacific coast on Saturday night, first as a tropical storm. It led to a storm watch for south-western regions from Punta San Telmo to another location on Monday.
In the morning of the next day, 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 peaked at 75mph.
Although unlikely to hit the coast, the storm is likely to produce dangerous waves and rip currents as it moves northwestward 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 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could face 50-100mm.
In other parts, a cyclone named Shakhti has developed as the first post-monsoon cyclonic storm of the year in the a body of water, causing an alert from the India Meteorological Department for Maharashtra. On that day, the cyclone was 130 miles southeast of a location in Oman with maximum sustained winds of 64mph.
The storm, which has tracked south-westward and weakened, is forecast to turn eastward into the the sea. Turbulent waters are expected to continue along the coastal stretch and intense rain is anticipated in shoreline areas including Dwarka, Jamnagar and Surat.
