China issues blue alert for rainstorms

BEIJING -- China's national observatory on Sunday issued a blue alert for rainstorms, even as incessant downpours have already wreaked havoc in vast stretches of the country.

From Sunday night to Monday night, heavy rains and rainstorms are expected to hit parts of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Guizhou, Guangxi, Yunnan and Tibet, as well as areas south of Yangtze River, the National Meteorological Center said.

The center warned that some areas of Jilin, Liaoning and Guangxi will experience downpours with up to 140 mm of daily rainfall.

Some aforementioned regions will see over 60 mm of hourly precipitation, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, the center said.

The center advised local authorities to remain alert for possible flooding, landslides and mudslides, and recommended halting outdoor operations in hazardous areas.

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