Chinese news agency Xinhua reported today, Wednesday, that "authorities have evacuated more than 40,000 people in Sichuan Province due to floods, as rain-laden clouds caused significant rainfall in several regions of the country." It added: "Meteorological agencies have extended a storm warning until tomorrow, Thursday, for several provinces." The National Meteorological Center stated: "Some areas may experience more than 70 millimeters of rain within one hour, in addition to thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail."