In brief
In Beijing, powerful gusts reaching 93mph have forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the suspension of train services, impacting millions of residents.
Strong winds swept through Beijing and northern China on Saturday, resulting in significant travel disruptions as authorities called on residents to remain indoors. By 11:30 AM local time, reports indicate that 838 flights were canceled at the capital's major airports due to powerful gales, with gusts reaching up to 93 mph (150 kph) — the strongest recorded in over 50 years. Amid these wild conditions, local attractions and historic sites also closed for safety.Residents were advised to avoid non-essential travel, leading to surprisingly empty streets across the city. State media advised caution, even warning that individuals weighing less than 50 kilograms could be "easily blown away." Despite the alarming forecasts, many citizens responded by staying home, resulting in a calm atmosphere amidst the chaos. The severe weather, attributed to a cold vortex system from Mongolia, has also impacted public transport. Train services, including the airport express subway line and some high-speed rail operations, halted as officials prepared for potential hazards. Parks were closed as a precaution, with nearly 300 trees already downed across the capital. Fortunately, while reports of vehicle damages have emerged, there have been no immediate injuries.For those traveling through Beijing, cancellation of flights has left some stranded. A businessman from Zhejiang province expressed his frustration, noting, "All flights scheduled for last night and today were canceled. I will probably have to rebook my flight in a couple of days. I'm now basically stranded in Beijing." The areas affected can expect the winds to continue at levels ranging from 11 to 13 on China's meteorological scale, with easing conditions anticipated by Sunday. Authorities have issued their first orange warning for strong winds in a decade, indicating the seriousness of the situation, especially with wind speeds that can lead to "serious damage" or "extreme destruction."
