Tropical Cyclone Matmo Hit Southern China Causing Massive Relocations
The powerful storm made landfall on the coastal regions of China on Sunday afternoon, shortly after sweeping across the island province of Hainan. The intense weather led to the relocation of approximately 350,000 people, bringing torrential rain and destructive gusts, especially between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Wenchang in Hainan. Ferry services were halted and air travel disrupted at Haikou Meilan airport.
Storm Details
The typhoon, the 21st cyclone of the year, recorded wind speeds of 151km/h and dumped over 50mm of precipitation in six hours in Chongzou and Qinzhou. The city of Nanning also received high rainfall totals.
Matmo triggered China's highest-level emergency warning, with disruptions in the city, where businesses, transportation systems and roads were closed. In Hong Kong, 100 flights were affected and dozens called off.
Forecast and Movement
As Matmo 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 substantial precipitation. Northern Vietnam could face 130-150mm on Monday, increasing the threat of flooding and landslides. The weather pattern is expected to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further heavy rainfall is probable.
Global Weather Events
At the same time, Hurricane Priscilla formed off the Pacific shoreline of Mexico on the weekend, initially as a tropical storm. It prompted a storm watch for south-western regions from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita on the start of the week.
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 night, when sustained winds peaked at 75mph.
Although unlikely to hit the coast, the storm is expected to generate hazardous swells and strong currents as it moves north-west along the coast towards a Mexican state. Heavy rainfall is forecast on Monday, reaching a considerable volume in Michoacán and western Guerrero, with local totals at about 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could receive moderate to heavy rain.
In other parts, Cyclone Shakhti has formed as the first post-monsoon cyclonic storm of the year in the a body of water, prompting an warning from the India Meteorological Department for Maharashtra. On Sunday, Shakhti was 130 miles south-east of Ras al Hadd, Oman with maximum sustained winds of 103km/h.
The storm, which has moved south-westward and weakened, is predicted to turn towards the east into the Arabian Sea. Turbulent waters are likely to continue along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is expected in shoreline areas including specific Indian cities.
