China - Tropical cyclone MATMO - UPDATE

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 04:34:00 +02:00

Typhoon MATMO made landfall in the afternoon of 22 July (UTC) in eastern Taiwan's Taitung County. A few hours before landfall, at 12.00 UTC, it had max. sustained winds of 158 km/h. After landfall it crossed Taiwan, weakening, and moved into the Taiwan Strait, towards eastern mainland China. On 23 July at 0.00 UTC it had max. sustained winds of 130 km/h and its center was located over the Taiwan Strait, approx. 150 km south-east of Putian and 180 km south-east of Fuzhou (Fujian Province, China); it was moving north-west.
It is forecast to make landfall in the area near Putian (Fujian Province, China) in the morning of 23 July (UTC), then move inland, weakening. Strong winds, heavy rains and storm surge may affect the landfall area. JRC calculations indicate a storm surge of the order of 1.6 m in the coastal area near Putian on 23 July morning (UTC). On 23-24 July heavy rains may affect several areas of Fujian and Zhejiang, as well as parts of western and northern Taiwan. As of 23 July morning (China Meteorological Administration), an Orange Warning for Rainstorm, as well as an Orange Warning for Typhoon, are in effect. In Taiwan, "Extremely Torrential Rain" Advisories, as well as Sea and Land Typhoon Warnings are still in effect (as of 23 July morning, Central Weather Bureau).
During its passage over Taiwan, strong winds and very heavy rainfall affected several areas. As of 23 July, media reported one person killed, five injured and power outages for approx. 31 000 houses.