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The powerful storm made landfall on the coastal regions of China on Sunday afternoon, following its sweeping across the island province of Hainan. The intense weather led to the evacuation of approximately 350,000 residents, bringing heavy downpours and damaging winds, especially between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Wenchang in Hainan. Ferry services were suspended and air travel disrupted at the airport in Haikou.

Storm Details

Matmo, the 21st typhoon of the year, had sustained wind speeds of 94mph and dumped over 50mm of rainfall in a short period in Chongzou and Qinzhou. Urban areas of Nanning also experienced high rainfall totals.

The storm prompted China's highest-level emergency warning, with disruptions in the city, where businesses, transport links and highways were shut. In Hong Kong, 100 flights were impacted and 30 cancelled.

Forecast and Movement

As the typhoon moves inland towards the provincial area in the neighboring country, it is projected to weaken into a tropical depression with 89km/h winds but will persist to bring substantial precipitation. Northern Vietnam could experience significant rainfall on the following day, increasing the risk of inundation and mudslides. The system is expected to move towards Yunnan region in China, where further intense rain is probable.

Global Weather Events

Meanwhile, a hurricane named Priscilla formed off Mexico's Pacific coast on Saturday night, first as a tropical storm. It led to a storm watch for south-western regions from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita on Monday.

In the early hours of the next day, Priscilla was about 491 kilometers from Cabo Corrientes with continuous gusts of 65mph. It intensified into a hurricane in the night, when sustained winds peaked at 121km/h.

Though not expected to hit the coast, the storm is likely to produce hazardous swells and strong currents as it moves north-west along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Substantial rain is forecast on Monday, amounting to a considerable volume in specific Mexican states, with local totals at about 200mm. Colima and western Jalisco could face moderate to heavy rain.

Elsewhere, a cyclone named Shakhti has formed as the initial post-season storm system of 2025 in the Arabian Sea, causing an warning from the India Meteorological Department for Maharashtra. On Sunday, Shakhti was 209 kilometers southeast of Ras al Hadd, Oman with maximum sustained winds of 64mph.

Shakhti, which has tracked south-westward and lost strength, is forecast to turn towards the east into the the sea. Rough seas are likely to continue along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is anticipated in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.