China issues blue alert for rainstorms

BEIJING - China's National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for rainstorms in some parts of the country, on Monday.

From 2 pm Monday to 2 pm Tuesday, rainstorms are expected in parts of Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Hubei, Henan, Shandong, Anhui and Jiangsu, while heavy downpours of up to 150 mm of precipitation may lash parts of these regions, the meteorological center said.

Some regions will also experience short-term heavy rainfall, with over 50 mm of hourly precipitation in certain places, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales.

The meteorological center has advised local governments to make appropriate preparations and check the drainage systems of cities, farmlands and fishponds.

It has also alerted drivers to watch out for flooding and traffic jams and has asked schools and kindergartens to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of students.

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