Trees are blown broken in Xiamen city, East China's Fujian province, on Sept 15, 2016. [Photo/IC]

"The winds and rain got extremely loud after 3 a.m. The cracking sound of windows and tree branches were also scary. The power went out in the shop for several times," said Su Binglin, a night-shift shop assistant at a 24-hour convenient store.

He said he had to use a metal plate to strengthen the shop door to prevent it from shattering. He also used boxes filled with mineral water to consolidate the plate.

At around 6 a.m., the winds abated. Streets in Xiamen are scattered with glass shards, broken tree branches and blown down billboards.

"It is so wretched. Many trees by road sides are fallen, and there are also pondings blocking traffic," said Hu Rong, a delivery man.