China's meteorological authority activated a Level IV emergency response on Monday as the country braces for strong winds and heavy rain.
The National Meteorological Center issued a yellow alert for strong winds, as well as blue alerts for heavy rain and severe convective weather. China employs a four-level warning system for wind and rain — with red representing the highest level, followed by orange, yellow and blue — and a three-level system for severe convection.
The center said that from 8 am Monday to 8 am Tuesday, strong winds will affect areas including Shanxi, Hebei, Liaoning and Shandong provinces, the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, and the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin. Average wind speeds are expected to range between 10 and 20 meters per second, with gusts reaching up to 28 meters per second in some areas, which may uproot trees and cause damage to buildings.
ALSO READ: Southern China braces for heavy rainfall
During this period, regions including Chongqing, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region will experience heavy rainfall, with precipitation reaching 100 to 140 millimeters in some areas. Short-term intense rainfall is expected, with maximum hourly precipitation of 20 to 50 mm, accompanied by severe convective weather such as thunderstorms, gales or hail.
In parts of southwestern Guizhou and western Guangxi, thunderstorm gales are expected, with gusts strong enough to potentially topple unstable houses and power transmission towers. In parts of eastern and southwestern Hunan and northern Guangxi, hourly rainfall will exceed 50 mm and may surpass 60 mm in some areas.
READ MORE: Temperatures drop as showers drench Hong Kong
The center warned ships in affected waters to navigate with caution and advised people to minimize outdoor activities and keep a safe distance from temporary structures.
It also called for fire prevention measures and the reinforcement of easily movable structures, as well as preparations for drainage and protection against mountain torrents, landslides and mudslides.
