**Typhoon Bavi Weakens to Tropical Storm, Causes Significant Disruption in Eastern China**
*Published: July 12, 2026*
Tropical Storm Bavi, which recently made landfall in eastern China, has caused extensive flooding and damage, despite having weakened from its initial status as a typhoon. The storm hit the coastal city of Yuhuan in Zhejiang province just before midnight on Saturday, followed by a subsequent landfall in the densely populated Yueqing district of Wenzhou.
As Bavi approached, authorities took precautionary measures, evacuating nearly two million residents from vulnerable areas. This proactive response aimed to mitigate the impact of the storm, which has been reported as the strongest to strike China this year.
Residents in Yueqing described the chaotic conditions brought on by the storm. Local resident Li Liangxing recounted the sounds of falling roof tiles and tree branches, noting that a walkway near his home had been submerged under floodwaters. Reports indicate that the storm uprooted over 1,300 trees in Yueqing alone, with many being completely torn from their roots. The flooding was significant, with water levels rising to approximately half the height of a car tire.
The National Meteorological Center of China reported wind speeds of up to 101 kilometers per hour (63 miles per hour) early on Sunday morning. Forecasts predict that Bavi will continue to unleash heavy rainfall across eastern and northern regions of China in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding and potential landslides.
The storm's impact has extended beyond just flooding and wind damage; it has also severely disrupted transportation networks in the eastern part of the country. In Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, two major railway stations suspended all services, while Xiaoshan International Airport reported the cancellation of 327 flights. In nearby Shanghai, the situation was similarly dire, with 684 flights and over 1,600 trains cancelled as a result of the storm.
As of Sunday afternoon, Tropical Storm Bavi had moved into Anhui province, located northwest of Zhejiang. Meteorologists expect the storm to continue its northeast trajectory towards the Yellow Sea by Tuesday.
Emergency response teams are actively working to clear waterlogged streets and restore normalcy in affected areas. The use of chainsaws and excavators has been reported to help remove fallen trees and debris from roadways, as communities begin to assess the damage and recover from the storm's effects.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring Bavi's path and potential impacts on additional regions. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels as the storm continues to evolve.