Two tornadoes struck central China's Hubei province on Tuesday, killing at least 11 people and causing significant infrastructure damage, according to state media reports.
Winds reaching 149 kph (93 mph) overturned vehicles and tore roofs from buildings in the affected areas.
The fatalities mark an escalation from earlier reports of severe thunderstorms in the region that had previously claimed at least eight lives.
The destruction comes as Typhoon Bavi looms offshore, adding another layer of meteorological risk to the region.
Emergency services are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating rescue efforts.
The convergence of inland tornado activity and the approaching typhoon creates a complex operational environment for local authorities.