BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Beijing issued multiple severe weather warnings and activated a Level-III flood control emergency response on Tuesday, as heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the city.

Downpours started around 3 a.m., with lightning and strong winds reported.

The municipal weather authorities upgraded the rainstorm alert to yellow -- the third-highest level, predicting intensified rainfall until Tuesday night, including risks of floods and mudslides in mountainous areas. Gale warnings were also issued in the early hours of the day, forecasting short-term gusts citywide.

Separate yellow alerts for lightning, waterlogging, and mountain torrents highlighted risks in urban lowlands and regions, urging the public to avoid river channels and outdoor activities.