China's National Meteorological Center on Sunday issued an orange alert for rainstorms in parts of northern and eastern China.

From 8 p.m. (1200 GMT) Sunday to 8 p.m. (1200 GMT) Monday, heavy rainfall and rainstorms are expected in Beijing, Tianjin, parts of Hebei, Shanxi and Shandong provinces, according to the center. 

Parts of these regions will also see thunderstorms and strong winds, said 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. 

The Beijing Meteorological Observatory earlier issued yellow warnings for both rainstorms and gale-force winds, as the capital city is poised for the heaviest round of rainfall this year.

According to the authorities, the accumulated rainfall in the city is forecast to reach 60 mm to 100 mm on average from 5 p.m. (0900 GMT) Sunday to 8 a.m. (0000 GMT) Tuesday.

Live: Torrential rain is forecast to arrive in regions of China including Beijing

Due to the concerns over the heavy rain, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism on Sunday morning ordered all scenic spots in mountainous areas and rural bed and breakfasts (B&B) to be closed from Sunday noon.

The Beijing Municipal Education Commission also suggested that primary and secondary schools and kindergartens cancel their Monday classes. Universities and colleges were also asked to avoid outdoor activities. 

A total of 15,000 people have been mobilized and 13 inspection teams have been dispatched to all districts of the city to assess flood control preparations, according to the municipal water affairs bureau.

The municipal fire and rescue department has made comprehensive preparations for round-the-clock service, with a 670-member professional rescue team and 7,454 servicemen put on duty.

(With input from Xinhua)