Beijing's Storm Alert: North China Braces for Thunderstorms and Floods

Beijing has shut down several suburban train lines following an early warning for thunderstorms and flash floods as northern China braces for severe rainfall. Central and northern regions, including Henan and Shandong, have issued top-level emergency responses to manage the anticipated flooding, with authorities continuously monitoring water levels.

Beijing temporarily shut down numerous suburban train lines on Tuesday as early warnings for thunderstorms and flash floods were issued. Northern China is preparing for severe weather conditions with heavy rains forecasted to move towards the Sichuan Basin and north of the Huai River, state media Xinhua reported.

In central Henan province, provincial authorities declared the highest emergency response in Nanyang due to severe flooding. Also in Henan, Shangqiu's weather observatory raised its heavy rain warning to the highest level. Heavy rainfall is expected in the region where Henan, Shandong, and Anhui provinces meet.

Gansu's Kang county in northwestern China issued a red alert for mountain floods and urban flooding as towns experienced heavy downpours, with more than 100mm (3.9 inches) of rainfall recorded in some areas.

In southern China, areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are in a critical period of flood control. Authorities are adjusting water discharge from the Three Gorges Dam to alleviate flood pressures in Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and other provinces along the river.

In June, torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides across southern China prompted emergency plans as rising river waters threatened millions of lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)