Heavy downpours hit North China

Thunderstorms have struck northern China, bringing heavy rain and causing traffic chaos. Downpours battered the cities of Beijing and Zhengzhou, along with the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Heavy rain pelted Beijing from around 10 pm on Tuesday, ending what had earlier been a sunny day. Hail fell in some parts of the Chinese capital.

The thunderstorm was heaviest in Beijing's central and southern districts, which saw an average of 9 millimeters of rain. Meteorological authorities issued this year's first hail alert, as well as a severe rainstorm alert.

This time of year typically sees Beijing hit by storms, strong winds and brief, but heavy, rainfall. The latest round of storms also battered Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province. The rain only lasted half an hour, but caused traffic jams and havoc for pedestrians and commuters.