BEIJING — China's national observatory on Aug 8 renewed a blue alert for rainstorms in several provinces and regions, where incessant downpours have already wreaked havoc.

From the morning of Aug 8 to Aug 9, torrential rains are expected in parts of Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet, the National Meteorological Center said in a statement on its website.

Some of the aforementioned regions will see more than 70 mm of hourly precipitation, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, the center said.

The center advised local authorities to remain alert for possible flooding, landslides, and mudslides, and recommended halting outdoor operations in hazardous areas.

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