Recent strong winds have disrupted transportation in the capital, with citizens advised to remain indoors.
**China Faces Flight and Travel Chaos as Severe Winds Batter Beijing**
**China Faces Flight and Travel Chaos as Severe Winds Batter Beijing**
Extreme weather consequences force cancellations and closures, impacting millions.
Hundreds of flights were grounded and train services suspended in Beijing and northern China as powerful winds swept through the region on Saturday. Reports indicate that by 11:30 a.m. local time (03:30 GMT), a staggering 838 flights had been cancelled at the capital’s two main airports, as announced by the news agency Reuters. Wind gusts reached up to 93 mph (150 kph), marking the most severe winds in five decades, and are expected to persist over the weekend.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, warning that individuals weighing less than 50 kg could be at risk of being swept away. In light of the severe gusts, numerous attractions and historical landmarks have been closed for visitor safety. Train services, including the express subway line to the airport and several high-speed rail routes, have also been halted to prevent accidents.
As a precaution, city parks were shuttered, and many old trees were reinforced or trimmed; however, nearly 300 trees have already succumbed to the winds. While no injuries are reported, some vehicles have suffered damage from falling debris. "Everyone in Beijing was really nervous about it. Today there are hardly any people out on the streets," noted a local resident, reflecting the unusual quietness across the normally bustling city.
Travelers are grappling with the impact of the disruptive weather. A businessman stranded in Beijing due to cancelled flights expressed his frustration, stating, "Because of the severe winds, all flights scheduled for last night and today were cancelled. So I will probably rebook my flight in a couple of days."
The winds stem from a cold vortex system originating in Mongolia and are projected to affect the region throughout the weekend. While seasonal winds carrying dust and sand from Mongolia are commonplace, climate change is believed to exacerbate the intensity and frequency of such storms. In response to the situation, Beijing has issued its first orange alert for strong winds in a decade. The China Meteorological Administration measures wind speeds on a scale from one to 17, with the latest forecasts predicting speeds that could reach between levels 11 and 13. Conditions are expected to improve by Sunday, but residents are advised to remain cautious.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, warning that individuals weighing less than 50 kg could be at risk of being swept away. In light of the severe gusts, numerous attractions and historical landmarks have been closed for visitor safety. Train services, including the express subway line to the airport and several high-speed rail routes, have also been halted to prevent accidents.
As a precaution, city parks were shuttered, and many old trees were reinforced or trimmed; however, nearly 300 trees have already succumbed to the winds. While no injuries are reported, some vehicles have suffered damage from falling debris. "Everyone in Beijing was really nervous about it. Today there are hardly any people out on the streets," noted a local resident, reflecting the unusual quietness across the normally bustling city.
Travelers are grappling with the impact of the disruptive weather. A businessman stranded in Beijing due to cancelled flights expressed his frustration, stating, "Because of the severe winds, all flights scheduled for last night and today were cancelled. So I will probably rebook my flight in a couple of days."
The winds stem from a cold vortex system originating in Mongolia and are projected to affect the region throughout the weekend. While seasonal winds carrying dust and sand from Mongolia are commonplace, climate change is believed to exacerbate the intensity and frequency of such storms. In response to the situation, Beijing has issued its first orange alert for strong winds in a decade. The China Meteorological Administration measures wind speeds on a scale from one to 17, with the latest forecasts predicting speeds that could reach between levels 11 and 13. Conditions are expected to improve by Sunday, but residents are advised to remain cautious.
