In brief
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled along with train services as fierce winds batter Beijing, prompting safety warnings for residents.
In a dramatic turn of events, Beijing and parts of northern China faced widespread disruption on Saturday due to incredibly strong winds. By mid-morning local time, 838 flights were grounded at the city’s two primary airports, as reported by Reuters. Wind gusts reached speeds up to 93 mph (150 kph), causing closures of parks, historic sites, and urging millions to remain indoors to ensure their safety.Authorities alerted the public following a forecast of continued gales, marking the most powerful winds seen in the capital in over 50 years. State media even warned that individuals weighing less than 50 kg could be "easily blown away," reinforcing the seriousness of the situation. Train operations took a hit as well, with delays affecting the airport express subway line and several high-speed rail services. Reports indicate that nearly 300 trees fell across the city, leading to damage to vehicles. However, no injuries have been reported yet. A cautious atmosphere settled over Beijing, as many residents opted to adhere to official advice and limit outdoor activities, leading to eerily quiet streets.One traveler from Zhejiang province expressed frustration over his canceled flight, stating, “All flights scheduled for last night and today were canceled. I'm now basically stranded in Beijing.” The culprit behind the strong winds is attributed to a cold vortex system originating from Mongolia, with predictions indicating the conditions will persist throughout the weekend.Beijing authorities issued a rare orange alert for wind activity, as wind levels are categorized between one to 17 in China. Current predictions suggest winds could escalate between levels 11 to 13, with only slight improvements anticipated by Sunday.
