Typhoon Matmo hit China’s southern coast on Sunday, making a big impact after passing over Hainan. Around 350,000 people were evacuated as heavy rain and strong winds battered areas like Wuchuan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan. Ferry services were halted, and flights were cancelled at Haikou Meilan airport, showcasing the storm’s power.
Matmo, the 21st typhoon this year, had wind speeds reaching 94 mph and caused over 50mm of rain within just six hours in places like Chongzou and Qinzhou. Nanning also recorded significant rainfall.
Authorities issued a red alert in response to the storm. In Zhanjiang, businesses closed, and transport services were disrupted. Hong Kong wasn’t spared either; 100 flights were affected, with around 30 getting cancelled.
As Matmo moves inland towards Vietnam’s Cao Bang province, it’s expected to weaken to a tropical depression with winds dropping to 55 mph. However, heavy rainfall is still on the way. Northern Vietnam might see between 130-150mm of rain on Monday, creating concerns about flooding and potential landslides. The storm’s path suggests more heavy rain for Yunnan province in China later.
In contrast, Hurricane Priscilla formed off Mexico’s Pacific coast on Saturday, beginning as a tropical storm. A storm watch was issued from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita. Just hours into Sunday, Priscilla was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes, with winds of 65 mph. By evening, it had intensified into a hurricane, peaking at 75 mph.
Although Priscilla isn’t expected to reach land, it will likely create dangerous swells and rip currents along the coast as it moves northwest toward Baja California Sur. Rainfall forecasts suggest Michoacán and western Guerrero could see 100-150mm, with isolated areas receiving up to 200mm, while Colima and western Jalisco might face 50-100mm.
Additionally, Cyclone Shakhti has emerged in the Arabian Sea, marking the first post-monsoon storm of the season. The India Meteorological Department issued alerts for Maharashtra as the cyclone, with winds of 64 mph, tracked southwest but is expected to curve back eastward. Coastal areas near Gujarat and Maharashtra should prepare for rough seas and heavy rainfall.
Weather patterns like these highlight a growing trend. According to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the number of severe storms has been increasing due to climate change. This illustrates the urgent need for communities to prepare for the changing climate’s impact on extreme weather events.
In social media circles, discussions about these storms often emphasize the importance of preparation and safety. Many users share personal stories, urging others to heed warnings and stay alert during severe weather conditions. The experiences of those affected provide valuable insights into the community response and resilience in the face of these powerful storms.
As we see more of these intense weather phenomena, staying informed and prepared is key.
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