Typhoon Bavi hits China and Taiwan this weekend as a massive storm nearly 1,000 km wide churns toward the Taiwan Strait with destructive winds near 200 kph. Authorities on both sides of the strait are warning residents to prepare for flooding, landslides and power outages in what could be the most powerful cyclone to hit the region since 1987.
The storm comes just days after China was devastated by Typhoon Maysak. Airlines have already cancelled hundreds of flights and coastal cities from Suao to Fuzhou are bracing for impact.
Bavi Grows Into A Monster Storm
Forecasters say Bavi spent days strengthening over warm Pacific waters and is now one of the largest typhoons recorded this decade.
“Largest By Size Since 1987”
Jason Chang of Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration told Reuters: “Bavi is set to be the largest storm by size to hit Taiwan since 1987. Storms of this scale have been fairly rare in recent years.”
China’s National Meteorological Centre forecasts the center will pass northern Taiwan on Friday before making landfall in Fujian province Saturday evening.
AccuWeather’s Jason Nicholls said: “Some loss of wind intensity is anticipated starting Thursday, but Bavi will remain a dangerous storm as it impacts Taiwan and eastern China later Friday into Monday.”
If it holds strength, it would be the strongest typhoon since Super Typhoon Kong-rey in 2024.
Taiwan Orders Preparations As Winds Rise
Taiwan activated emergency centers Thursday. Officials urged residents to buy food, water and medicine and to reinforce homes.
“Don’t Be Fooled By The Calm”
In Suao harbor, hundreds of fishing boats sheltered as the sea went still. Captain Chen Ming-hui, 60, was securing his vessel.
“Don’t be fooled by the nice and calm weather now,” he said. “A storm like this could be the most terrifying.”
He remembered past typhoons that sank boats and flooded the town. Farmers also rushed to harvest rice before the rain.
Schools in Yilan and Hualien will close Friday. Officials warned of 8-meter waves and dangerous mudslides in mountain areas.
China Braces Fujian Landfall After Maysak Deaths
Bavi arrives as China counts the cost of Typhoon Maysak, which killed at least 39 people in Guangxi and left 9 missing.
Floods, Tornadoes And Zoo Chaos
Maysak’s remnants caused tornadoes and major flooding in Hubei. State media reported more than 100 animals escaped from Guigang Zoo.
“Two zebras, four porcupines, dozens of parrots and raccoons escaped,” reports said. “Three lions died in the floodwaters.”
Now Fujian is in Bavi’s path. Emergency crews are clearing drains and raising levees. The province expects 300-500mm of rain through Monday and possible storm surges along the coast.
Japan And Airlines Feel The Disruption
Okinawa is under warning for Friday and Saturday. The Japan Meteorological Agency advised residents to prepare for violent winds and flooding.
Thousands Of Flights Cancelled
Japan Airlines cancelled 48 domestic flights Friday, affecting 7,610 passengers. ANA cancelled 34 flights to Ishigaki and Miyako Friday, and 33 more Saturday, impacting 7,700 travelers.
Dr. Xiangbo Feng, tropical cyclone scientist at Imperial College London, warned: “We should pay much attention to Bavi as it has spent a long time intensifying over the open Pacific, extracting energy from warm ocean and accumulating large amounts of moisture. When it makes landfall, the damage could be catastrophic. A small change in Bavi’s track could have a significant influence.”
Climate Change Drives Stronger Typhoons
Scientists link 2026’s active season to an emerging El Niño, which heats Pacific waters and fuels bigger storms.
“More Frequent And Intense Events”
Both China and Taiwan have upgraded defenses since Kong-rey, but Bavi’s size will test them. Fujian’s factories and Taiwan’s chip plants are on alert for blackouts.
Officials say warmer oceans let typhoons keep strength closer to shore, making evacuation timing critical.
What Happens Next
Taiwan expects the worst weather Friday night into Saturday morning. China’s Fujian coast faces landfall Saturday evening, followed by days of heavy rain inland.
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“Prepare Now, Stay Safe”
Emergency shelters are open and the military is on standby for rescues. Officials’ message is clear: “Prepare now, stay safe.”
For millions across the strait, Typhoon Bavi hits China and Taiwan as a warning that climate-driven storms are getting larger and less predictable. As Chen said in Suao: “We pray it turns away. But we are ready if it doesn’t.”
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