In brief
Unprecedented wind speeds hit the capital, prompting closures and safety warnings for residents.
Hundreds of flights were grounded and train services suspended as powerful winds swept across Beijing and northern China on Saturday. By 11:30 AM local time (03:30 GMT), the impact was significant, with 838 flights cancelled at major airports, reported by the Reuters news agency. Wind gusts reached speeds of up to 93 mph (150 kph)—the strongest recorded in over 50 years—potentially persisting throughout the weekend and leading to closures of various attractions and historical sites in the capital.With many residents warned to stay indoors, some state media cautioned that individuals weighing less than 50 kg could be “easily blown away” by the sudden gusts. Service interruptions included the airport express subway line and numerous high-speed rail paths, while several city parks were closed. Although preparations were made to reinforce trees, nearly 300 fell throughout Beijing, causing damage to vehicles but, fortunately, no injuries were reported. Local inhabitants heeded authorities’ advice, leading to almost deserted streets. One city resident expressed that while the situation was unsettling, it was not as dire as initially feared. Conversely, travelers experienced disruptions; one businessman from Zhejiang province was left stranded in Beijing due to flight cancellations, stating, "Because of the severe winds, all flights scheduled for last night and today were cancelled." The extreme winds are attributed to a cold vortex system originating from Mongolia. Beijing issued its first orange alert for strong winds in a decade, forecasting some of the strongest gusts on Saturday. According to the China Meteorological Administration, the severity of the winds ranges on a scale of 1 to 17, with levels 11 to 13 this weekend indicating potential for serious damage and extreme destruction. Weather conditions are anticipated to improve by Sunday.
