China renews blue alert for rainstorms

China's national observatory on Sunday renewed a blue alert for rainstorms in central and southern regions of the country.

From 8 pm Sunday to 8 pm Monday, heavy rain is expected to lash parts of Hubei, Hunan, Anhui, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Guangxi, and Chongqing, according to the National Meteorological Center.

Some areas will see torrential rain with over 60mm of hourly precipitation, accompanied by thunderstorms, gales, and hail.

The 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.