Severe storms in central China's Hubei Province killed eight people and left one missing on Monday night, authorities said.

Thunderstorms and powerful winds battered several cities in eastern Hubei between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., including Huangshi, Huanggang, Ezhou and Xianning, according to the provincial emergency management department. Tornadoes were also reported in several townships.

Rescue operations are underway as authorities continue to assess the damage.

In Huanggang, the severe weather caused power outages in parts of the urban area, uprooted trees, and damaged vehicles and shops. Local authorities have deployed emergency responders to carry out rescue and recovery operations.

Weather authorities forecast heavy to torrential rain in parts of eastern Hubei on Tuesday, accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds and short-duration heavy rainfall.