Beijing issues orange alert for heavy rain

A woman holding an umbrella walks in the rain in Beijing, July 20, 2016. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

(ECNS) -- Beijing has raised its heavy rain alert from yellow to orange, the second-highest warning level for severe weather in China, and cautioned about possible floods.

Beijing's Meteorological Center issued a yellow alert for heavy rain on Wednesday morning. Hours later, it increased the warning level and said the rain will last till late Wednesday night and some parts of the city will experience rainstorms.

When the warning system is in effect, traffic controls can be imposed in flood-hit areas, and additional measures taken to protect students and children. Authorities are also urged to prepare for possible mountain torrents and landslides.

The average precipitation in downtown Beijing as well as in Fangshan, Daxing, Mentougou and Tongzhou districts, is predicted to be above 100 millimeters, reaching 200 millimeters in some parts of the city.