China on yellow alert for rainstorms

China's meteorological authority has upped its level of alert for heavy rain in the south of the country over the next two days from blue to yellow.

Storms are expected to hit parts of Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Jiangxi, Fujian and Zhejiang, with up to 180 mm of rain anticipated, said the National Meteorological Center on Thursday night. Some of these areas will also see thunderstorms and gales.

The center suggested people reduce outdoor activity during rainy days and take precautions against floods and landslides.

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