Typhoon Matmo Hit Southern China Causing Massive Evacuations
Typhoon Matmo struck the coast on the southern shores of China on Sunday afternoon, following its passage over the island province of Hainan. The intense weather forced the relocation of approximately 350,000 people, bringing torrential rain and destructive gusts, particularly between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Wenchang in Hainan. Ferry services were halted and flights cancelled at Haikou Meilan airport.
Typhoon Statistics
The typhoon, the 21st typhoon of the year, recorded wind speeds of 151km/h and dumped more than 50mm of rainfall in a short period in Chongzou and Qinzhou. Urban areas of Nanning also experienced significant rain amounts.
Matmo prompted China's highest-level red alert, with disruptions in Zhanjiang, where commercial activities, transportation systems and highways were shut. In Hong Kong, numerous air services were impacted and dozens called off.
Forecast and Movement
As the typhoon advances inward towards Cao Bang province in Vietnam, it is projected to diminish into a less intense system with 55mph winds but will continue to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could experience significant rainfall on Monday, increasing the threat of flooding and landslides. The system is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where additional intense rain is probable.
Other Storm Systems
Meanwhile, Hurricane Priscilla formed off the Pacific shoreline of Mexico on the weekend, initially as a storm system. It led to a storm watch for south-western regions from Punta San Telmo to another location on the start of the week.
In the morning of Sunday, the hurricane was about 305 miles from a Mexican cape with sustained winds of 105km/h. It strengthened into a hurricane in the evening, when sustained winds peaked at 75mph.
Though not expected to hit the coast, Priscilla is expected to produce dangerous waves and strong currents as it moves north-west along the coast towards a Mexican state. Heavy rainfall is forecast on Monday, reaching 100-150mm in specific Mexican states, with some areas at about 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could face 50-100mm.
Elsewhere, a cyclone named Shakhti has developed as the initial post-season storm system of the year in the Arabian Sea, causing an alert from the India Meteorological Department for Maharashtra. On Sunday, Shakhti was 209 kilometers southeast of a location in Oman with peak wind speeds of 103km/h.
The storm, which has moved in a southwestern direction and weakened, is predicted to recurve eastward into the the sea. Rough seas are likely to continue along the coastal stretch and intense rain is anticipated in coastal districts including Dwarka, Jamnagar and Surat.
