BEIJING - The National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center on Thursday issued a yellow warning for strong waves as Typhoon Krosa will hit the South China Sea soon.

The typhoon is expected to land in the South China Sea in the early hours of Friday, rousing waves measuring five to eight meters from Thursday night, the center said.

Meanwhile, waves of three to four meters are expected in the southern part of the East China Sea, areas around the Diaoyu Islands and the Taiwan Strait, according to the center.

It warned ships to steer away from the affected areas and urged local authorities to take precautions.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe weather, followed by orange, yellow and blue.