A Storm That Refuses to Fade
Just when southern China thought it could breathe after a calmer typhoon season, Typhoon Matmo locally known as Paolo in the Philippines has re-intensified over the South China Sea.
Now packing strong winds and torrential rains, the storm is charting a direct course toward Hainan Island and the western coast of Guangdong Province, forcing widespread shutdowns during one of the busiest holidays of the year.
China’s National Meteorological Center has issued an Orange Typhoon Alert, the nation’s second-highest warning level, signaling a serious threat to coastal communities and infrastructure.
Forecast: Two Landfalls, One Long Week Ahead
According to meteorologists, Matmo is expected to make its first landfall on Sunday, October 5, somewhere between Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan’s eastern coast, likely near Wanning City.
At landfall, it could reach severe typhoon strength, bringing destructive winds, high surf, and rain measured in hundreds of millimeters.
But the storm’s journey doesn’t end there.
After sweeping across southern China, Matmo is projected to re-emerge over the Gulf of Tonkin, make a second landfall near the China-Vietnam border, and then weaken into a tropical depression early next week.
In short: this is a multi-phase event not a one-day storm.
Holiday Chaos: A Nation on Pause
Matmo ’s arrival couldn’t come at a worse time. The storm coincides with China’s eight-day National Day holiday, a peak travel period comparable to the Lunar New Year rush. Millions are now stranded or forced to cancel plans as transportation networks grind to a halt.
✈️ Flights
All flights in and out of Haikou Meilan International Airport are suspended from Saturday night (11 p.m. local time), grounding thousands of travelers.
⛴️ Ferries
The Qiongzhou Strait, the vital ferry link between Hainan and mainland China, has been completely closed, cutting off the island until the storm passes.
🚆 Rail
High-speed and intercity train services have been halted across Hainan and southern Guangdong, while cross-sea rail operations have been adjusted or canceled entirely.
🚗 Roads & City Services
Authorities in Haikou and other coastal cities have suspended classes, offices, and public transport through Sunday, while residents are advised to stay indoors and secure outdoor belongings.
Guangdong and Hainan Brace for Impact
In western Guangdong, cities like Zhanjiang and Zhuhai have already shut down seaside parks, tourist spots, and marine operations.
Officials are warning of storm surges, coastal flooding, and localized landslides, particularly in low-lying districts and mountainous areas.
Heavy to torrential rainfall is forecast to drench parts of Guangdong, Hainan, and Guangxi provinces, with totals expected to exceed 250 mm in some locations. Meteorologists caution that urban flooding and river overflows are highly likely.
Emergency Measures Activated
China’s central authorities have launched a Level-IV emergency response for southern provinces, directing local governments to:
- Prepare evacuation centers,
- Check reservoirs and flood control systems,
- Monitor hillside erosion and landslide risks, and
- Maintain communications with fishing fleets and offshore platforms.
Emergency teams are also standing by to restore power and clear roads once conditions stabilize.
Beyond the Winds: Broader Impacts
While typhoons are no stranger to southern China, Matmo ’s timing amplifies its disruption.
The economic toll could be significant especially in Hainan, a hub for domestic tourism. Cancelled flights, empty hotels, and shuttered attractions will likely dent the island’s holiday earnings.
At the same time, the storm is a stark reminder of the increasing volatility of weather patterns in the region. Warmer sea temperatures have been feeding storms like Matmo, allowing them to re-intensify even after temporary weakening a growing concern for climate experts.
Looking Ahead
By early next week, Matmo is expected to weaken as it crosses into Vietnam and dissipates inland.
But even after the winds die down, flooding, power outages, and transportation backlogs could linger for days.
For now, China’s southern coast remains in wait-and-see mode braced for one of the strongest storms to hit the region this season, and one that has arrived right in the middle of the nation’s holiday rush.
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