Storms in central China have killed at least eight people, according to reports from multiple outlets, as extreme weather affects large areas ahead of Typhoon Bavi’s expected arrival. Authorities warn that heavy rainfall poses a heightened risk of secondary hazards including landslides and tornadoes. One report says up to 200 million people are exposed to potentially severe rainfall, with forecasts indicating totals of as much as 260 millimetres over a 24-hour period in affected regions. The reports frame the deaths and risks as part of a broader system of storms already impacting the country while Typhoon Bavi remains offshore. Emergency services and local authorities are monitoring conditions and warning residents to prepare for flooding and other weather-related dangers. The coverage also highlights the scale of the potential rainfall footprint and the likelihood of disruptions from intense downpours, including unstable ground and severe wind events. As Typhoon Bavi continues to track toward China, officials continue to assess impacts in areas likely to be hit by the worst of the rainfall.