China’s National Meteorological Center has issued an orange rainstorm alert, the second highest warning in a four-tier system. 

The center forecasts torrential rains Wednesday for most areas in central, eastern, and southern China. Northern China are bracing themselves for the heaviest rainfall to hit the region this year.

YUNCHENG, July 19, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Traffic policemen move away a barrier on a flooded road in Wanrong County, north China's Shanxi Province, July 19, 2016. Heavy rain afflicted some regions of north China on July 19, causing serious waterlogging in many cities. (Xinhua/Li Hongxiao)

Shanxi province’s meteorological bureau has also issued an orange weather alert, after days of continuous downpours triggered floods in more than 40 cities and counties across the province.

TAIYUAN, July 19, 2016 (Xinhua) -- A booth is submerged in a market in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, July 19, 2016. Heavy rain afflicted some regions of north China on July 19, causing serious waterlogging in many cities.(Xinhua/Zhang Xiangdong)