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The powerful storm made landfall on the coastal regions of China on Sunday afternoon, following its passage over the island province of Hainan. The severe weather led to the evacuation of approximately 350,000 people, bringing heavy downpours and destructive gusts, particularly between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan. Ferry services were suspended and flights cancelled at Haikou Meilan airport.

Typhoon Statistics

The typhoon, this year's 21st cyclone of the year, recorded wind speeds of 151km/h and poured over 50mm of rainfall in a short period in Chongzou and Qinzhou. Urban areas of the region also received significant rain amounts.

The storm triggered China's highest-level emergency warning, with disruptions in the city, where businesses, transportation systems and highways were shut. In the special administrative region, 100 flights were impacted and dozens called off.

Future Projections

As the typhoon advances inward towards Cao Bang province in the neighboring country, it is projected to diminish into a tropical depression with 89km/h winds but will persist to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could experience 130-150mm on the following day, raising the threat of flooding and landslides. The system is expected to move towards Yunnan region in China, where further heavy rainfall is likely.

Global Weather Events

Meanwhile, a hurricane named Priscilla formed off the Pacific shoreline of Mexico on the weekend, initially as a tropical storm. It led to a storm watch for south-western regions from a coastal point to Punta Mita on the start of the week.

In the early hours of Sunday, Priscilla was about 305 miles from Cabo Corrientes with sustained winds of 65mph. It strengthened into a hurricane in the evening, when wind speeds reached at 75mph.

Although unlikely to hit the coast, the storm is expected to generate dangerous waves and rip currents as it tracks north-west along the coast towards a Mexican state. Heavy rainfall is predicted on the coming day, amounting to 100-150mm in specific Mexican states, with some areas 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 cyclonic storm of the year in the Arabian Sea, prompting an warning from the India Meteorological Department for an Indian state. On Sunday, Shakhti was 209 kilometers south-east of Ras al Hadd, Oman with peak wind speeds of 64mph.

The storm, which has tracked in a southwestern direction and lost strength, is predicted to recurve eastward into the the sea. Turbulent waters are expected to continue along the Gujarat-North Maharashtra coast and intense rain is expected in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.