Typhoon Matmo Moves Inland, Hits Vietnam, Cancels Flights

Typhoon Matmo moved inland over Guangxi, China on Oct. 6 and weakened to a severe tropical storm/tropical depression. It will continue to drive heavy rain across northern Vietnam through Oct. 7, with 100–300+ mm possible in mountainous areas and a very high risk of flash floods, landslides and low‑lying flooding. Hanoi suspended classes for 2.3 million students, Vietnam Airlines began rerouting flights, and some major hotels temporarily closed as authorities warned of flooding in provinces including Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Thanh Hoa. The system is also expected to strengthen the southwest monsoon over Thailand, bringing two days of isolated heavy rain to parts of the country. In southern China and on Hainan Island authorities canceled flights, ferries and closed businesses during the National Day holiday, with airlines canceling hundreds of flights at Haikou and other airports and leaving many passengers stranded; Taiwan carriers also grounded flights to Hong Kong and Macau as Matmo approached.