BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological authority has reissued an orange alert on Saturday, signaling strong gales anticipated to impact northern regions and coastal areas throughout the weekend. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) forecasts that from 8 a.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday, areas including Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei, and Beijing will experience winds reaching up to force 13 (37.0-41.4 m/s) on the national wind scale.

The NMC also indicated that parts of the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, and the East China Sea will be subject to similar gale-force winds, also reaching up to force 13. These marine regions are expected to experience significant disruption due to the severe weather conditions.

In addition to the gale warning, a yellow alert for snowstorms remains in effect. Forecasts predict substantial snowfall, ranging from 20 to 28 millimeters, in specific areas of Inner Mongolia and Jilin. Residents in these regions should prepare for potential travel disruptions and ensure necessary precautions are taken.

Furthermore, the meteorological center has sustained a blue alert for sandstorms expected to affect Xinjiang. Visibility may be significantly reduced, and individuals with respiratory sensitivities are advised to take extra precautions.

The NMC has urged the public in all affected regions to implement necessary safety measures and stay informed about weather updates. Authorities emphasize the importance of preparedness and caution given the anticipated severe weather conditions.

China employs a four-tier color-coded weather warning system to communicate the severity of impending weather events. Red represents the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow, and blue, in descending order of intensity. This system allows the public and relevant agencies to gauge the potential impact and take appropriate action.