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Typhoon Matmo struck the coast on the southern shores of China on the weekend, following its passage over the island province of Hainan. The severe weather forced the relocation of around 350,000 people, delivering torrential rain and destructive gusts, particularly between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan. Boat transport were halted and flights cancelled at Haikou Meilan airport.

Typhoon Statistics

Matmo, the 21st cyclone of the year, recorded wind speeds of 151km/h and dumped more than 50mm of rainfall in a short period in Qinzhou and Chongzou. Urban areas of Nanning also received high rainfall totals.

The storm triggered China's top-tier red alert, with disruptions in Zhanjiang, where commercial activities, transportation systems and roads were shut. In the special administrative region, 100 flights were affected and 30 cancelled.

Future Projections

As Matmo advances inward towards the provincial area in the neighboring country, it is expected to weaken into a less intense system with 89km/h winds but will continue to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could experience significant rainfall on Monday, raising the threat of flooding and landslides. The system is anticipated to move towards Yunnan province in China, where additional heavy rainfall is probable.

Other Storm Systems

At the same time, a hurricane named Priscilla developed off Mexico's Pacific coast on Saturday night, initially as a storm system. It prompted a weather alert for south-western regions from a coastal point to Punta Mita on Monday.

In the early hours of the next day, the hurricane was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes with continuous gusts of 105km/h. It strengthened into a hurricane in the night, when sustained winds reached at 121km/h.

Though not expected to hit the coast, Priscilla is expected to generate hazardous swells and strong currents as it tracks north-west along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Heavy rainfall is predicted on the coming day, reaching a considerable volume in specific Mexican states, with some areas at about 200mm. Other regions could receive moderate to heavy rain.

In other parts, Cyclone Shakhti has developed as the initial post-season cyclonic storm of the year in the Arabian Sea, prompting an alert from the national weather agency for Maharashtra. On Sunday, the cyclone was 130 miles south-east of a location in Oman with peak wind speeds of 64mph.

Shakhti, which has moved in a southwestern direction and weakened, is forecast to recurve eastward into the Arabian Sea. Rough seas are likely to continue along the coastal stretch and intense rain is expected in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.