- Beijing hit by strongest winds in over 50 years, with gusts up to 93 mph (150 kph).
- 838 flights canceled and train services suspended across northern China.
- Authorities issued an orange alert, urging 22 million residents to stay indoors.
- Tourist attractions and parks, including the Forbidden City, were closed.
- The winds, caused by a cold vortex from Mongolia, are expected to ease by Sunday.
Strong Winds Disrupt Beijing and Northern China
Beijing and parts of northern China were battered by the strongest winds in over half a century this weekend, causing widespread disruptions. Gusts reaching up to 93 mph (150 kph) prompted authorities to issue an orange alert, the second-highest warning level, and urge residents to stay indoors. The extreme weather, caused by a cold vortex system from Mongolia, has led to flight cancellations, train suspensions, and the closure of major tourist attractions.
Flight and Train Services Severely Impacted
By Saturday morning, 838 flights had been canceled at Beijing’s two major airports—Beijing Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport—according to Reuters. Train services, including the airport express subway line and several high-speed rail routes, were also suspended. The disruptions left many travelers stranded, with some expressing frustration over canceled plans and the uncertainty of rebooking.
Tourist Attractions and Parks Shut Down
In response to the severe winds, authorities closed several popular tourist destinations, including the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. Parks across the city were also shuttered, with precautionary measures taken to reinforce or trim old trees. Despite these efforts, nearly 300 trees were reported to have fallen in Beijing, causing damage to vehicles but fortunately resulting in no injuries.
Residents Advised to Stay Indoors
Beijing’s 22 million residents were advised to avoid non-essential travel and stay indoors as the winds swept through the city. Streets that are typically bustling with activity were eerily quiet, as most people heeded the warnings. “Everyone in Beijing was really nervous about it. Today there are hardly any people out on the streets,” a local resident told Reuters. However, some noted that the impact was less severe than anticipated.
Cold Vortex from Mongolia: The Cause of the Winds
The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) attributed the strong winds to a cold vortex system originating in Mongolia. These winds, ranging from level 11 to 13 on China’s wind scale, are capable of causing significant damage. The CMA noted that some observation stations recorded wind speeds surpassing historical records for the same period since 1951. The winds also brought sand and dust from Mongolia, a common occurrence in northern China during spring.
Climate Change and Increasingly Severe Weather
Scientists warn that climate change is contributing to more frequent and severe weather events, including storms and high winds. Northern China, which includes arid regions like the Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts, is particularly vulnerable to such conditions. While China has made efforts to combat sandstorms and reduce their impact on cities like Beijing, the challenges posed by climate change remain significant.
Orange Alert: A Rare Warning
The orange alert issued for the winds marked the first time in a decade that such a warning was used in Beijing. The alert level reflects the severity of the situation, with authorities emphasizing the potential for “serious damage” and “extreme destruction.” The winds disrupted daily life and raised concerns about safety, but conditions are expected to ease by Sunday.
As the winds subside, authorities and residents will assess the damage and begin recovery efforts. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the growing impact of climate change on extreme weather patterns. For now, Beijing and northern China are bracing for a return to normalcy after a weekend of unprecedented winds.