BEIJING, Nov. 25 -- China's national observatory on Saturday evening continued to issue a blue alert for gales as strong winds of varying degrees are to lash parts of the country.

From 8 p.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday, gales are expected to hit some areas in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Hainan, and Taiwan, according to the National Meteorological Center.

Parts of the Taiwan Strait, the Bashi Channel, and the South China Sea will see higher-intensity gales during this period, the center forecast.

It warned ships navigating or operating in waters affected by the gales of safety risks. It further urged relevant departments to take precautionary measures for fire prevention and transport safety.

Pedestrians and vehicles are advised not to linger under tall buildings, billboards, or trees.

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