Strong rain sweeping across nation in China

BEIJING: The heaviest rain for the year is set to sweep across the country, dousing central and eastern areas, the National Meteorological Center said.

The strong rainfall that began on Wednesday has entered its peak phase and will move eastward towards the Yangtze River region and Shandong province, the centre said.

The centre renewed the blue alert for severe convective weather on Thursday. Eight provinces and cities are expected to experience thunderstorms.

The rain coincides with the end of the May Day holiday, and slippery roads and water accumulation on expressways could pose hidden dangers and worsen traffic. Flights in Henan, Hubei and Shandong provinces will be affected, according to a report on Wednesday. — China Daily/ANN