Turbulent Winds Disrupt Travel in Beijing as Authorities Sound Alarm

Beijing is experiencing its strongest winds in over 50 years, resulting in significant flight cancellations and public travel advisories. The Chinese capital faces potential dangers as authorities urge residents to remain indoors.

Hundreds of flights have been grounded and rail services disrupted in Beijing and northern China due to powerful winds sweeping through the region. As of Saturday morning, local time, a striking 838 flights were officially canceled at the city's main airports, as reported by news agency Reuters. The gusts of wind are reaching speeds up to 93 mph (150 km/h), making this one of the most intense wind events recorded in the capital in over half a century, with forecasts indicating the winds will persist through the weekend.

Authorities have shut down various attractions and historic sites across the city, advising millions to remain indoors as a safety precaution. In warnings disseminated through state media, citizens were cautioned that individuals weighing less than 110 pounds might face serious risks of being swept away by the gusts. Rail services were impacted as well, with the airport express subway line and some high-speed trains among those suspended amid safety concerns. Parks have also been closed, with preemptive steps taken to reinforce or trim trees; however, reports indicate that nearly 300 trees have already toppled.

While the inclement weather has caused property damage, fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Most residents complied with government directives to stay indoors, resulting in notably quiet streets in a city of over 22 million. "People are understandably anxious about the winds, but today feels less severe than anticipated," said one local resident.

Travelers have faced challenges too; one businessman from Zhejiang province lamented his canceled flight home, stating, "All flights scheduled for last night and today were canceled due to strong winds. I am now essentially stranded in Beijing." This dramatic wind event arises from a cold vortex system positioned over Mongolia, with the potential for ongoing severe conditions attributed to climate change, an issue said to amplify the intensity of storms like this one.

To address public safety, Beijing has issued its first orange wind alert in a decade, indicating serious weather threats. The Chinese Meteorological Administration operates a wind-speed scale ranging from one to 17, categorizing level 11 winds as capable of causing serious damage and level 12 as potentially destructive. With current forecasts suggesting winds peaking between levels 11 and 13, citizens have been urged to stay vigilant as conditions are expected to improve by Sunday.