As Beijing grapples with some of the strongest winds recorded in over 50 years, authorities have cancelled hundreds of flights and suspended train services to ensure public safety. The severe weather has led to widespread travel disruptions and has residents encouraged to remain indoors.
Beijing Faces Disruption as Strong Winds Force Flight Cancellations and Travel Warnings
Beijing Faces Disruption as Strong Winds Force Flight Cancellations and Travel Warnings
Hundreds of flights are grounded in China’s capital as wind gusts reach unprecedented levels, prompting safety measures for residents.
Hundreds of flights have been grounded and train services suspended across Beijing and northern China due to severe winds that hit the capital on Saturday. As of Saturday morning at 11:30 local time (03:30 GMT), reports indicated that 838 flights were cancelled at the city’s major airports, a situation that has left many travelers stranded.
Wind gusts reaching up to 93 mph (150 kph) are being reported as some of the strongest ever documented in the region, leading to travel advisories that urge residents to stay indoors. In fact, state media outlets warned of the potential danger for individuals weighing less than 50 kg, advising that they could be "easily blown away." The high winds are predicted to persist throughout the weekend, leading to the closure of popular tourist attractions and historic sites.
Train operations have also been affected, with the airport express subway line and several high-speed rail services temporarily suspended. Additionally, parks in the vicinity were closed, and officials took precautionary measures by reinforcing or trimming old trees. Despite the chaos, no injuries have been reported so far, although about 300 trees have fallen due to the harsh weather.
In light of the conditions, many residents have chosen to heed the advice of local authorities to avoid non-essential travel. One local remarked on the quiet streets, noting, "Everyone in Beijing was really nervous about it. Today there are hardly any people out on the streets. However, it wasn’t as severe as I had imagined." Meanwhile, stranded business travelers are reporting their difficulties; one businessman from Zhejiang explained that all flights had been cancelled, leaving him uncertain about when he could return home.
Meteorological experts attribute the severity of the winds to a cold vortex system originating from Mongolia, signaling a stronger-than-usual weather pattern, potentially linked to the impacts of climate change. Beijing has declared its first orange alert for strong winds in the last decade, noting that the wind conditions are expected to reach levels 11 to 13 on China’s wind speed scale, which describes a level 11 wind as capable of causing "serious damage."
The winds are forecasted to begin easing by Sunday, providing some relief to residents and travelers alike.
