Tropical Cyclone Matmo Struck Southern China Causing Widespread Relocations

Typhoon Matmo struck the coast on the coastal regions of China on Sunday afternoon, shortly after passage over the island province of Hainan. The severe weather led to the relocation of around 350,000 residents, bringing torrential rain and damaging winds, particularly between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Hainan's Wenchang. Ferry services were halted and flights cancelled at the airport in Haikou.

Storm Details

The typhoon, this year's 21st cyclone of 2025, had sustained wind speeds of 94mph and poured over 50mm of rainfall in six hours in Qinzhou and Chongzou. Urban areas of the region also experienced high rainfall totals.

The storm prompted China's top-tier red alert, with disturbances in the city, where commercial activities, transport links and highways were shut. In the special administrative region, numerous air services were affected and dozens called off.

Forecast and Movement

As the typhoon advances inward towards Cao Bang province in Vietnam, it is expected to weaken into a less intense system with 89km/h winds but will persist to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could experience 130-150mm on the following day, raising the risk of flooding and mudslides. The weather pattern is expected to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further heavy rainfall is probable.

Other Storm Systems

Meanwhile, a hurricane named Priscilla formed off Mexico's Pacific coast on Saturday night, initially as a tropical storm. 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 the next day, Priscilla was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes with sustained winds of 105km/h. It intensified into a hurricane in the night, when wind speeds peaked at 121km/h.

Although unlikely to hit the coast, Priscilla is expected to generate dangerous waves and rip currents as it tracks north-west along the coast towards a Mexican state. Heavy rainfall is forecast on Monday, amounting to 100-150mm in specific Mexican states, with some areas at about 200mm. Other regions could receive moderate to heavy rain.

Elsewhere, Cyclone Shakhti has formed as the initial post-season cyclonic storm of 2025 in the a body of water, causing an warning from the India Meteorological Department for Maharashtra. On Sunday, the cyclone was 130 miles southeast of Ras al Hadd, Oman with maximum sustained winds of 103km/h.

Shakhti, which has moved south-westward and weakened, is forecast to recurve eastward into the Arabian Sea. Turbulent waters are expected to continue along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is expected in shoreline areas including Dwarka, Jamnagar and Surat.

Keith Fitzgerald
Keith Fitzgerald

A passionate writer and traveler sharing experiences and advice to inspire personal growth and adventure.