This is the terrifying moment a food vendor struggled to hold down a tent as a powerful storm swept through a street in China.

A family was selling barbecue outside their store when a sudden gust of wind tore through the area, lifting the canopy in Sichuan.

CCTV footage shows a couple and their son waiting for customers when the gale-force winds suddenly battered the stall, severely damaging the tent's structure on April 6.

The quick-thinking shop owner then desperately clung to the cover, trying to stop it from being blown away.

Meanwhile, his frightened son clutched the moving counter to stop it from being dragged by the wind.

Seeing his child behind him, the brave father shouted for him to run inside the house as he gripped the base of the tent while it collapsed to the ground.

No injuries were reported from the incident.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and stay indoors during storms.

The region's eastern rainy season typically begins in April and peaks in July and August.