China renews yellow alert for rainstorms

BEIJING -- China's national weather observatory continued a yellow alert for rainstorms on Saturday, as heavy rain is expected across the country in the next few days.

On Saturday and Sunday, heavy rain is expected in parts of Sichuan, Chongqing, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Yunnan, Zhejiang and Jiangxi, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

Precipitation will be up to 200 millimeters, and some of these areas may see hail or thunderstorms, said the NMC.

The center warned local authorities to reduce outdoor activities and take precautions against strong winds, flooding and geological disasters.

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