In brief
Travelers stranded as authorities issue alerts against non-essential outings.
In a significant weather event for Beijing, strong winds have led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the suspension of train services across northern China. As of 11:30 AM local time on Saturday, a staggering 838 flights had been scrapped at the two primary airports in Beijing, as reported by Reuters. Wind gusts reached speeds of up to 93 mph (150 kph), marking the most severe winds recorded in the capital in over 50 years. Officials have advised millions to stay indoors as the gales are anticipated to persist throughout the weekend, instilling a sense of caution among the public. Some state media even suggested that individuals weighing less than 50 kilograms could be "easily blown away," amplifying fears. Train services, including the express subway to the airport and several high-speed rail lines, were halted, while parks have also closed their gates. Preparatory measures were taken by authorities, including the reinforcement and trimming of old trees, yet nearly 300 trees have already succumbed to the winds, damaging vehicles across the city. Many residents have heeded the warnings, leading to an unusual quiet on Beijing’s typically busy streets. A resident shared their experience, noting, "Everyone in Beijing was really nervous about it. Today there are hardly any people out on the streets." Meanwhile, one stranded businessman lamented his canceled flight, stating, "Because of the severe winds, all flights scheduled for last night and today were canceled. I’m now basically stranded in Beijing.” The powerful winds are linked to a cold vortex system originating from Mongolia and are projected to remain a concern through the weekend. Beijing has issued its first orange alert for strong winds in a decade, with the strongest gales expected to hit on Saturday. The China Meteorological Administration operates a wind speed classification system ranging from level 1 to 17, with this weekend's conditions predicted to reach between levels 11 and 13, implying serious damage and potentially extreme destruction. As the situation develops, residents hope for calmer weather by Sunday.
