China renews blue alert for rainstorms

BEIJING -- China's National Meteorological Center renewed a blue alert on Thursday for rainstorms as heavy downpours are expected to lash parts of the country.

From Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon, heavy rainfall is forecast to hit parts of Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangxi, Guangdong, Ningxia and Shaanxi, the center said.

Parts of these regions may experience heavy rainfall, with a maximum hourly precipitation exceeding 50 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales, according to the meteorological center.

Local governments have been urged to make proper preparations and fulfill their responsibilities accordingly.

Schools and kindergartens have been asked to ensure the safety of students and children, and drivers have been advised to exercise caution due to potential road waterlogging and traffic congestion.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.