Tropical Cyclone Matmo Slammed Coastal China Causing Widespread Relocations

The powerful storm struck the coast on the coastal regions of China on the weekend, following its passage over the island province of Hainan. The severe weather led to the relocation of approximately 350,000 people, bringing heavy downpours and damaging winds, particularly between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Hainan's Wenchang. Boat transport were suspended and flights cancelled at Haikou Meilan airport.

Typhoon Statistics

Matmo, this year's 21st cyclone of 2025, recorded wind speeds of 94mph and poured more than 50mm of rainfall in a short period in Qinzhou and Chongzou. The city of Nanning also experienced high rainfall totals.

The storm prompted China's top-tier emergency warning, with disruptions in Zhanjiang, where commercial activities, transport links and highways were shut. 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 projected to weaken into a tropical depression with 89km/h winds but will persist to bring heavy rainfall. Vietnam's northern regions could face 130-150mm on Monday, raising the risk of inundation and landslides. The system is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where additional heavy rainfall is probable.

Global Weather Events

Meanwhile, Hurricane Priscilla formed off the Pacific shoreline of Mexico on Saturday night, initially as a tropical storm. It led to a storm watch for south-western regions from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita on Monday.

In the early hours of the next day, Priscilla was about 491 kilometers from Cabo Corrientes with continuous gusts of 65mph. It intensified into a severe cyclone in the night, when sustained winds reached at 75mph.

Though not expected to make landfall, Priscilla is likely to generate hazardous swells and rip currents as it moves northwestward along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Substantial rain is predicted on Monday, reaching 100-150mm in specific Mexican states, with some areas at about 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could face moderate to heavy rain.

In other parts, Cyclone Shakhti has formed as the initial post-season storm system of the year in the a body of water, prompting an alert from the national weather agency for an Indian state. On Sunday, Shakhti was 209 kilometers south-east of a location in Oman with maximum sustained winds of 64mph.

Shakhti, which has tracked south-westward and lost strength, is forecast to recurve eastward into the the sea. Rough seas are expected to persist along the Gujarat-North Maharashtra coast and heavy rainfall is expected in shoreline areas including specific Indian cities.

Lawrence Schmitt
Lawrence Schmitt

Fashion enthusiast and luxury brand expert with a passion for haute couture and timeless style.