China renews yellow alert for rainstorms

BEIJING -- China's national observatory Wednesday renewed a yellow alert for rainstorms, as incessant downpours will continue to wreak havoc across vast stretches of the country.

From Wednesday to Thursday morning, heavy rains and rainstorms are expected in parts of Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shaanxi, Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunan and Tibet, the National Meteorological Center said.

The center warned that some areas of Shandong will experience downpours with up to 180 mm of daily rainfall.

Some of the aforementioned regions will see over 70 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.