China renews blue alerts for sandstorms, strong winds

BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological authority on Friday evening renewed the blue alerts for sandstorms and strong winds, warning of adverse weather conditions across multiple regions over the next 24 hours.

For the sandstorm alert, blowing sand or floating dust is expected in parts of Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Henan, Shandong, Anhui and Jiangsu, the National Meteorological Center said.

People have been advised to carry dust-protection gear such as masks and scarves to protect their eyes and respiratory tracts, while drivers are urged to slow down and exercise extra caution due to low visibility.

Strong winds are forecast in areas including parts of Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Liaoning, Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea from Friday evening to Saturday evening, according to the center.

Pedestrians and vehicles in the affected areas should avoid staying under tall buildings, billboards, other temporary structures, or trees, according to the center.

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