This is the dramatic moment powerful winds from Typhoon Matmo sent tables and tents flying outside a restaurant in southern China.

Footage shows two workers sitting outside the eatery before quickly rushing indoors as strong winds pick up, sweeping away outdoor furniture and temporary canopies.

Moments later, heavy rain lashes the area, creating chaos on the pathway in Guangdong province on October 5.

Matmo made landfall in the region on Sunday, disrupting transport services, displacing an estimated 347,000 people, and raising concerns over potential flooding.

The National Meteorological Centre (NMC) said the storm, China's 21st typhoon of the year, intensified into a severe tropical system before striking the coast between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan around midday.

The freak weather, moving northwest at approximately 25 kph, brought maximum sustained winds of 151 kph.

Matmo is expected to weaken as it tracks inland towards Yunnan province and into northern Vietnam.