China's meteorological authority issued a yellow alert on the night of April 17, as torrential rains are forecast to hit the country's southern regions.

Heavy rains accompanied with strong wind will hit Guangdong, Jiangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, Taiwan and Guangxi over the next 12 hours, according to a statement posted on the website of the National Meteorological Center.

Rainfall is expected to reach up to 60 millimeters in these areas, while thunderstorms or hail are also likely to hit the areas, the statement said.

The center suggested that people living in the affected areas avoid outdoor activities and take precautions against possible landslides and mud-rock flows.

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

(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2016)