Tropical Cyclone Matmo Hit Coastal China Causing Massive Evacuations
Typhoon Matmo struck the coast 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 people, bringing torrential rain and destructive gusts, especially between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan. Ferry services were suspended and flights cancelled at Haikou Meilan airport.
Typhoon Statistics
Matmo, the 21st cyclone of the year, had sustained wind speeds of 151km/h and dumped more than 50mm of precipitation in six hours in Qinzhou and Chongzou. Urban areas of the region also experienced high rainfall totals.
The storm triggered China's top-tier red alert, with disruptions in the city, where commercial activities, transportation systems and highways were closed. In Hong Kong, 100 flights were impacted and dozens called off.
Forecast and Movement
As the typhoon moves inland towards Cao Bang province in Vietnam, it is expected to diminish into a less intense system with 89km/h winds but will persist to bring heavy rainfall. Vietnam's northern regions could face significant rainfall on Monday, raising the threat of inundation and mudslides. The weather pattern is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further intense rain is probable.
Other Storm Systems
At the same time, Hurricane Priscilla formed off Mexico's Pacific coast on the weekend, first as a tropical storm. It led to a storm watch for the southwestern areas from a coastal point to Punta Mita on Monday.
In the early hours of the next day, the hurricane was about 491 kilometers from Cabo Corrientes with continuous gusts of 65mph. It strengthened into a hurricane in the night, when sustained winds reached at 121km/h.
Although unlikely to make landfall, Priscilla is expected to produce dangerous waves and strong currents as it tracks north-west along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Substantial rain is forecast on the coming day, reaching a considerable volume in Michoacán and western Guerrero, with some areas at about 200mm. Other regions could receive moderate to heavy rain.
In other parts, Cyclone Shakhti has formed as the first post-monsoon storm system of the year in the a body of water, prompting an warning from the national weather agency for an Indian state. On that day, the cyclone was 209 kilometers southeast of Ras al Hadd, Oman with peak wind speeds of 103km/h.
The storm, which has tracked in a southwestern direction and lost strength, is predicted to recurve eastward into the Arabian Sea. Rough seas are expected to persist along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is anticipated in shoreline areas including specific Indian cities.