China issues blue alert for rainstorms

BEIJING -- China's National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued a blue alert for rainstorms on Sunday evening.

From 8 pm Sunday to 8 pm Monday, heavy downpours and rainstorms are forecast in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Xinjiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hunan, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou, and Qinghai, according to the NMC.

Some parts of these regions are expected to experience rainfall with maximum hourly precipitation surpassing 60 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales.

Local governments have been urged to make proper preparations and fulfill their responsibilities accordingly.

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