Typhoon Matmo is expected to make landfall along the coast between Wuchuan, Guangdong province, and Wenchang, Hainan province, around midday today.

The Central Meteorological Observatory has continued its red typhoon warning as of 6 am on Sunday.

Typhoon Matmo, the 21st typhoon of the year, was upgraded to a severe typhoon at 5 am today. Its center is approximately 230 kilometers southeast of Xuwen county, Zhanjiang city, Guangdong province, in the northwestern part of the South China Sea, at latitude 19.8°N and longitude 112.3°E.

Forecasts indicate that Matmo, with wind speeds ranging from 42 to 45 meters per second, will gradually weaken after landfall.

On Saturday, the Guangdong Provincial Flood Control Headquarters elevated the emergency response for wind from Level IV to Level II. The Central Meteorological Observatory issued its first red typhoon warning of the year at 6 pm and the National Marine Forecasting Center raised both wave and storm surge warnings to their highest level in the afternoon.

On Saturday evening, Zhanjiang, of Guangdong province, implemented safety measures, such as suspending navigation, park operations, work, and classes, including those at training institutions.

The cities and counties of Haikou, Wenchang, and Chengmai, of Hainan province, have decided to suspend business operations and transportation.

In Haikou, 69,800 overnight visitors have been sheltered by various hotels and guesthouses. The hotels are offering a "heartwarming discounted rate" and have pledged not to raise prices. Most of the hotels are providing a free extended check-out service between 14:00 and 16:00.

Chen Bowen from Haikou contributed to the story.