China renews blue alert for rainstorms

BEIJING -- China's national observatory on Monday renewed a blue alert for rainstorms in parts of the country.

From 8 am Monday to 8 am Tuesday, heavy rain is expected to lash parts of Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Guangxi, and Chongqing, according to the National Meteorological Center.

Heavy downpours of up to 130 mm of precipitation may hit parts of Anhui, Hubei and Hunan.

Some regions will also experience short-term heavy rainfall, with over 60 mm of hourly precipitation in certain places, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales, according to the weather forecasts.

The meteorological center has asked relevant government departments to prepare for the heavy rain, adding that schools should take appropriate measures for the safety of students.

Drivers should remain cautious about flooding and traffic jams, and the drainage systems in cities, farmlands, and fishponds should be properly checked, according to the center.

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