Torrential rains disrupt air traffic in Beijing

The heaviest rainstorm this year hit Beijing Tuesday afternoon, disrupting air traffic at the capital's international airport.

The heaviest rainstorm this year hit Beijing on Tuesday night. [Chinanew.com]

Average precipitation from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. in urban Beijing reached 24.8 mm, according to the city's weather station.

By 8 p.m., 32 inbound and outbound flights had been canceled at Beijing Capital International Airport, according to the airport's official microblog. More than 100 flights were delayed.

Road traffic was also blocked in several areas on three of the city's major ring roads, according to the Beijing traffic management bureau's website.

The Beijing weather bureau issued a rainstorm alert at 8:10 p.m. predicting more rainstorms over the next three hours, especially in southern part of the city. Precipitation is expected to reach 30 mm in downtown areas and the districts of Fangshan, Fengtai and Daxing.