The sky turned black as a severe convective weather brought thunderstorms and strong winds to a city in southern China.

Video filmed in the city of Fuzhou in Fujian Province on March 23 shows the sky suddenly turning dark in the daytime, surprising local residents.

Another video shows downpours and powerful winds hitting the city, causing several trees to fall down.

The Fuzhou City Meteorological Bureau issued an orange lightning (the second strongest level) warning signal around 11:00 am on March 23.

According to reports, 24 roads were severely affected and many large trees and billboards were blown away by the ferocious winds.

The total loss is still being assessed and relief efforts are ongoing.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

3月23日，福州市遭遇强对流天气。福州市气象台11时许发布雷电橙色预警信号，未来2小时，福州市区部分乡可能有雷电活动，雷雨时局地伴有短时强降水、9～11级大风和冰雹等强对流天气。出现雷电灾害事故可能性比较大。
上午11时许，随着一声惊雷，黑云压城，狂风大作 ，顷刻间福州大雨如注，中心城区一片黑压压，白昼如夜。据统计，市内24条道路受灾较为严重，多棵大树和不少广告牌被大风刮起。
目前，具体损失还在进一步统计中，抢险收尾工作仍在继续。