BEIJING - 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 pm that some parts in south Xinjiang Uygur autonomous 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 affected 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.