Bangkok, Thailand – Typhoon Matmo, having traversed the Philippines, has regained typhoon status as it advances towards the southern coast of China. The storm, which briefly weakened to a storm, is now projected to impact the provinces of Guangdong and Hainan.
According to China’s National Meteorological Center, Matmo exhibited sustained wind speeds of 118 kilometers per hour (73 miles per hour) on Saturday. Forecasters anticipate further intensification before the typhoon makes landfall on Sunday.
In anticipation of the impending storm, Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, has announced the cancellation of all flights commencing at 11 p.m. on Saturday, as reported by China National Radio. Additionally, the city has mandated the suspension of classes, public transportation, and business operations on Saturday. Select train routes within Hainan province have also been preemptively cancelled, with further service disruptions expected on Sunday.
The China National Weather Observatory has issued an orange alert, signaling a high level of concern regarding the potential impact of Typhoon Matmo.
Prior to its arrival in China, Matmo passed through the Philippines, prompting the evacuation of numerous residents. Initial reports indicate no immediate casualties resulting from the storm’s passage through the archipelago.
