China renews yellow alert for severe thunderstorms, downpour in vast regions

BEIJING -- China's National Meteorological Center on Sunday renewed its yellow alert for severe weather threat including thunderstorms and downpour in many parts of the country.

From 2 pm Sunday to 2 pm Monday, thunderstorms, strong wind and hails are expected in parts of Liaoning, Shanxi, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Chongqing, Guizhou and Sichuan, according to the meteorological center.

During this period, short spells of heavy rainfall are also expected to lash certain areas of Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Liaoning, Shaanxi, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Zhejiang, Fujian, Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangdong, Hainan, and the Sichuan Basin.

Parts of these regions will experience downpours with up to over 80 mm of hourly precipitation, according to the forecast.

The center has advised local authorities to prepare for rainstorms, thunderstorms, gales and hails, and be vigilant against flash floods, landslides and mudslides.

Drivers have been alerted and transport authorities have been asked to guide traffic in water-logged streets.

The center has also advised halting outdoor operations in hazardous areas and urged airports, railways, expressways and water transportation units to take safety measures such as flight restrictions, speed limits, or temporary closures to ensure personnel and traffic safety.

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