(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-08-06 19:50

The Chinese capital was lashed by driving rains on Monday, with parts of the city suffering hail and minor flooding two days ahead of ceremonies to mark the one-year countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games.

The heavy rain struck hard in parts of northern Beijing, flooding sections of the main third ringroad and paralysing traffic. Other parts of the city experienced lighter showers.

Strong winds knocked down trees and shattered windows in some neighbourhoods as residents waded through streets filled with water or waited for the flooding to subside.

Beijing often sees rain at this time of year, but such strong, monsoon-like downpours are rare in this northern city. Other parts of the country have been hit by heavy rains and floods that have so far killed over 700 people this summer.

The unusual weather comes just two days before the city hosts a series of official ceremonies and celebrations to mark one year before the opening of the Olympic Games. More rain and thunder storms are forecast for Tuesday.