HONG KONG -- Local weather bureau in Taiwan lifted its warning for tropical storm Bilis Saturday, but the public were advised to remain vigilant to heavy rains, according to media reports reaching here from Taipei.

Forecasters said torrential downpour is expected in Taitung, Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, areas south of Miaoli and mountainous areas south of Chiayi.

From Wednesday until 13:00 Saturday, a total of 964 mm rainfall was recorded in Shangtehwen, Pingtung County, the largest amount of rainfall in local history.

Other areas in the province also suffered heavy downpour, including Yuyou in Kaohsiung County, with 847 mm, Shihpanlung in Chiayi County, with 751 mm, and Hsuehling in Taichung County, with 617 mm.

Weather forecasters said the rainy weather will continue until Sunday.

Local authority also issued an alert on Saturday to evacuate residents living in communities along the province's 40 rivers, which are at extremely high risk of possible mudflows in the next few days due to lashing rainfall.