Tropical Cyclone Matmo Struck Southern China Causing Widespread Evacuations
The powerful storm made landfall on the coastal regions of China on Sunday afternoon, following its sweeping across the island province of Hainan. The severe weather forced the relocation of approximately 350,000 residents, delivering heavy downpours and destructive gusts, particularly between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Wenchang in Hainan. Boat transport were suspended and air travel disrupted at the airport in Haikou.
Typhoon Statistics
The typhoon, this year's 21st typhoon of the year, had sustained wind speeds of 151km/h and dumped more than 50mm of precipitation in a short period in Qinzhou and Chongzou. Urban areas of the region also received high rainfall totals.
The storm triggered China's highest-level emergency warning, with disturbances in the city, where commercial activities, transportation systems and roads were shut. In the special administrative region, numerous air services were affected and 30 cancelled.
Forecast and Movement
As Matmo advances inward towards the provincial area in the neighboring country, it is projected to weaken into a tropical depression with 55mph winds but will continue to bring substantial precipitation. Vietnam's northern regions could face 130-150mm on the following day, increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides. The weather pattern is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where additional heavy rainfall is likely.
Global Weather Events
At the same time, a hurricane named Priscilla formed off Mexico's Pacific coast on the weekend, 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 morning of Sunday, the hurricane was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes with continuous gusts of 65mph. It intensified into a severe cyclone in the evening, when sustained winds reached at 121km/h.
Although unlikely to make landfall, Priscilla is likely to generate dangerous waves and rip currents as it tracks north-west along the coast towards a Mexican state. Substantial rain is forecast on the coming day, amounting to 100-150mm in specific Mexican states, with some areas at about 200mm. Other regions could face 50-100mm.
In other parts, Cyclone Shakhti has developed as the initial post-season storm system of the year in the a body of water, prompting an warning from the national weather agency for Maharashtra. On Sunday, the cyclone was 130 miles southeast of a location in Oman with maximum sustained winds of 64mph.
Shakhti, which has moved in a southwestern direction and lost strength, is predicted to recurve eastward into the Arabian Sea. Rough seas are expected to continue along the Gujarat-North Maharashtra coast and heavy rainfall is expected in shoreline areas including Dwarka, Jamnagar and Surat.
