BEIJING, June 18 -- China's National Meteorological Center on Wednesday renewed a yellow alert for rainstorms, as heavy downpours are expected to lash parts of the country.

From 8:00 p.m. Wednesday to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, heavy rains and rainstorms are forecast to hit parts of Guizhou, Sichuan, Chongqing, Guangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Henan, Hebei, Shandong, Tianjin and Liaoning.

In particular, certain areas in Henan, Hubei, Hunan and Guizhou will experience torrential rains, with rainfall of 100 to 180 millimeters, according to the meteorological center.

The center has advised precautionary work to disconnect outdoor power sources in low-lying areas deemed hazardous, to suspend outdoor work in open spaces, and to relocate individuals from dangerous zones and unsafe buildings to shelter in safety.

The center has also suggested that necessary drainage measures should be taken in urban areas and across farmlands.

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