BEIJING, June 14 -- The National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued a yellow alert for rainstorms in southern China on Sunday.

Heavy rain of up to 180 mm will sweep parts of Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang,Hubei and Anhui provinces as well as Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from Sunday morning, the NMC forecast.

It also warned of possible thunderstorms and gales in these areas.

The observatory advised residents to stay indoors and be alert. It also asked local authorities to brace for the severe weather.

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