China renews blue alert for rainstorms

BEIJING -- China's national observatory on Tuesday renewed a blue alert for rainstorms in several provinces and regions, where incessant downpours have already wreaked havoc.

From Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon, heavy rainfall and rainstorms are expected in parts of Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Gansu, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, Shandong, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Yunnan and coastal regions of south China, the National Meteorological Center said.

Areas of Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Gansu and Shaanxi will experience up to 300 mm of daily rainfall, while some of the aforementioned regions will see more than 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.