BEIJING, Aug. 31 -- China's National Meteorological Center on Thursday issued a yellow alert for rainstorms as heavy downpours are expected to lash multiple regions of the country.

From 2 p.m. Thursday to 2 p.m. Friday, heavy downpours and rainstorms are forecast to hit regions including Guangdong, Fujian and Taiwan Island, according to the center.

Some parts of these regions are forecast to experience heavy rainfall, with maximum hourly precipitation of over 80 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales, the center said.

Local governments have been urged to make appropriate preparations and fulfill their responsibilities accordingly. The center has also suggested the disconnection of risky outdoor power supply and the suspension of outdoor operations in open areas.

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