đź”— Share this article Tropical Cyclone Matmo Struck Coastal China Causing Widespread Evacuations The powerful storm made landfall on the coastal regions of China on Sunday afternoon, following its passage over the provincial island of Hainan. The severe weather led to the relocation of around 350,000 residents, delivering heavy downpours and damaging winds, 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 cyclone of the year, recorded wind speeds of 94mph and dumped more than 50mm of rainfall in a short period in Qinzhou and Chongzou. The city of Nanning also experienced high rainfall totals. Matmo triggered China's top-tier emergency warning, with disruptions in Zhanjiang, where businesses, transport links and highways were closed. In the special administrative region, 100 flights were impacted and 30 cancelled. Future Projections As the typhoon advances inward towards the provincial area in the neighboring country, it is expected to weaken into a less intense system with 55mph winds but will continue to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could face 130-150mm on Monday, raising the threat of inundation and mudslides. The system is anticipated to move towards Yunnan region 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 weather alert for south-western regions from a coastal point to Punta Mita on the start of the week. In the morning of the next day, the hurricane was about 305 miles from a Mexican cape with continuous gusts of 105km/h. It intensified into a severe cyclone in the night, when wind speeds reached at 75mph. Though not expected to make landfall, Priscilla is expected to generate dangerous waves and strong currents as it tracks north-west along the coast towards a Mexican state. Heavy rainfall is forecast on the coming day, reaching a considerable volume in specific Mexican states, with local totals at about 20 centimeters. Other regions could receive moderate to heavy rain. In other parts, a cyclone named Shakhti has developed as the initial post-season storm system of 2025 in the a body of water, prompting 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 64mph. Shakhti, which has tracked south-westward and weakened, is predicted to turn eastward into the the sea. Rough seas are expected to continue along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is expected in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.