Beijing and northern China are reeling from the impact of an intense weather system that has led to widespread disruption, including hundreds of flight cancellations, train suspensions, and the closure of public spaces. On Saturday, gales with gusts reaching up to 93 mph (150 kph) hit the Chinese capital, marking the strongest winds the city has faced in over 50 years. The powerful winds are expected to continue throughout the weekend, prompting authorities to issue emergency warnings and encourage residents to remain indoors.
By 11:30 local time on Saturday, approximately 838 flights had been canceled across Beijing’s two major airports, disrupting travel plans for both locals and international travelers. According to reports from the Reuters news agency, the flight cancellations were a result of both the extreme winds and the safety concerns related to the conditions. As a result, many passengers have found themselves stranded, with some businesses, such as the airlines, scrambling to rebook flights.
One businessman from Zhejiang province described his experience in the capital, noting that all flights scheduled for the past night and the following day had been canceled. “I’m now basically stranded in Beijing,” he said. “I will probably rebook my flight in a couple of days, but right now, everything is at a standstill.”
The wind gusts, which were recorded as some of the strongest to hit Beijing in decades, have also caused severe damage to infrastructure. Trees in public parks have been uprooted, and around 300 trees have already fallen across the city. Several vehicles were reported to have been damaged by the powerful winds. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reported, although the situation remains tense, especially with the prediction that the wind conditions will worsen over the weekend.
The high winds are being attributed to a cold vortex system originating from Mongolia, which has shifted southwards toward northern China. Authorities have issued an orange alert, signaling severe weather, for the first time in a decade. The orange alert is the second-highest on China’s warning scale, which ranges from level 1 to level 17. According to the China Meteorological Administration, winds at levels 11 to 13 can cause “serious damage” and “extreme destruction,” making them especially hazardous.
Beijing’s local authorities have strongly advised residents to avoid non-essential travel. A warning issued by the city’s government specifically cautioned that people weighing less than 50 kilograms could be at risk of being “easily blown away” due to the force of the wind. The advice was particularly directed toward elderly citizens and children, with an emphasis on remaining indoors to stay safe.
“Everyone in Beijing was really nervous about it,” said one local resident. “Today, there are hardly any people out on the streets. However, it wasn’t as severe as I had imagined.”
To mitigate the risks posed by the severe weather, parks across the city have been shut down, and authorities have reinforced or trimmed old trees that could potentially fall under the high wind conditions. Despite these efforts, the damage to the city’s infrastructure has been extensive. Several areas, particularly in central and eastern Beijing, saw fallen trees blocking roads, while others experienced power outages due to damaged electrical lines.
In addition to the cancellation of flights and the suspension of public transportation, many attractions and historic sites have been closed as a precautionary measure. The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, and other popular tourist destinations have halted operations for the weekend, keeping tourists and locals alike away from these places of cultural significance.
Train services, including high-speed rail lines and the airport express subway, have also been suspended. The weather conditions, combined with the risks of flying debris and power outages, made travel unsafe, prompting authorities to take the step of halting these essential services. While train services are expected to resume once the wind conditions ease, the suspension has caused further delays for passengers, adding to the already chaotic situation.
Despite the heavy winds, Beijing residents have largely adhered to government instructions to stay indoors. The decision to issue such strict warnings reflects the seriousness of the weather conditions, with the wind speeds expected to hit their peak on Saturday. The cold vortex system from Mongolia continues to exert pressure on northern China, and experts suggest that while conditions may slightly improve by Sunday, the storm’s full force will be felt for the remainder of the weekend.
This recent weather event is part of a broader shift in climate patterns in the region. Historically, Beijing and northern China have faced occasional strong winds, but the intensity and frequency of these storms have increased over the years, prompting more urgent calls for better preparedness and infrastructure to deal with extreme weather.
In response to the storm, many local businesses have closed their doors early, and authorities have taken steps to reinforce public safety measures. Emergency services are on standby, ready to respond to any incidents that may arise from the strong winds. The city’s health services have also issued guidelines for residents on how to avoid injury during the storm, advising them to avoid areas with large trees and unsecured structures.
Looking ahead, the Chinese government is expected to continue monitoring the storm closely. Given the scale of the disruption already caused, and the ongoing risks posed by the gales, the government has vowed to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its citizens. As the winds continue to batter the region, residents are being urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
While the winds are expected to subside by Sunday, the city’s residents and visitors will continue to face challenges in the coming days as they deal with the aftermath of the storm. Cleanup efforts will likely begin once the conditions improve, and authorities will assess the full extent of the damage to trees, buildings, and infrastructure.
For now, Beijing remains under the grip of the fierce winds, as millions of residents follow the government’s advice and stay indoors, waiting for the storm to pass.
