The National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued an orange typhoon warning at 6:00 a.m. on October 4 as Typhoon Matmo, the 21st typhoon of the year, continued to intensify.
Matmo strengthened from a severe tropical storm into a typhoon early this morning. At 5:00 a.m., its center was located over the northern South China Sea, about 830 kilometers southeast of Xuwen County, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province.
According to forecasts, Matmo is moving northwestward at a speed of 25–30 km/h and will continue to gain strength. It is expected to approach coastal areas between western Guangdong and eastern Hainan Island, making landfall during the daytime on October 5. The typhoon is forecast to hit land as a typhoon or strong typhoon, with winds of Force 13–14 (38–45 m/s), before weakening after landfall.
Strong Winds and Heavy Rainfall Expected
From 8:00 a.m. on October 4 to 8:00 a.m. on October 5, gales of Force 5–7 with gusts up to Force 8–10 are forecast across the Bashi Channel, the northern and central South China Sea, the Dongsha, Xisha, Zhongsha, and Huangyan Islands, as well as the central and eastern Beibu Gulf, the Qiongzhou Strait, coastal areas of Guangxi, southwestern Guangdong, Hainan Island, and southern Taiwan.
Stronger winds of Force 8–11 with gusts up to Force 12–13 are expected in the northwestern South China Sea, the Qiongzhou Strait, western Guangdong coast, and the eastern and northern coasts of Hainan. Near Matmo’s center, winds may reach Force 12–14, with gusts up to Force 15–16.
Heavy rainfall is forecast for the coastal areas of western Guangdong and central and eastern Hainan Island during the same period, with torrential downpours of 100–150 mm expected in northeastern Hainan.
Rail Services Suspended in Hainan
In response to the approaching typhoon, partial suspension of rail services to and from Hainan Island has been announced:
October 4: Train K457 bound for the island will be canceled. Outbound trains from Sanya (K458, Z502, Z8008) and Haikou (K512, Z112) will also be suspended.
October 5: All inbound and outbound island trains will be suspended.
October 6: Inbound trains Z385, Z8007, Z501, Z111, and K511 will be canceled, along with outbound train Z386 from Haikou.
Passengers are advised to check train schedules in advance via the official 12306 website or mobile app and adjust travel plans accordingly. Those holding tickets for canceled services may apply for a full refund within 30 days (including the day of departure) through 12306 online platforms or ticket counters, without service charges.
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