China issues sandstorm alert for northwest regions

 　　BEIJING, April 22 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological authorities on Sunday issued a blue alert, the lowest level in the warning system, against sandstorms that are expected to hit the country's northwest regions.

　　The National Meteorological Center (NMC) said at 6 p.m. that some parts in south Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous¹ Region, central and western parts of Gansu Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, central and northern areas of Ningxia will see dust weather over the next 24 hours, with sandstorm forecasted in some regions.

　　Strong winds of up to level 11 will accompany the sand in those areas, the NMC said.

　　The authorities warned residents in the affected² areas to be prepared for the sandstorm and wear dust-proof masks to guard against possible harms.

　　Meanwhile, the NMC said moderate rainfalls or showers will hit most parts of central and eastern China from Sunday to Monday.

　　China has a four-color coded warning system, with the red being the most serious and followed by orange, yellow and blue.

1 autonomous   

adj.自治的；独立的

参考例句：

• They proudly declared themselves part of a new autonomous province.他们自豪地宣布成为新自治省的一部分。
• This is a matter that comes within the jurisdiction of the autonomous region.这件事是属于自治区权限以内的事务。

2 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。