China Faces Extreme Wind Warning as Millions Stay Indoors

Millions in northern China are being advised to stay indoors as a powerful windstorm looms this weekend, disrupting everyday life and prompting safety warnings from officials.

Workers hurrying home, school closures, and cancellations of various outdoor events characterize the precautionary measures being taken as northern China prepares for extreme winds forecasted to hit from Friday to Sunday. State media have issued warnings that individuals weighing less than 50kg might be at risk of being "easily blown away." The winds, anticipated to reach speeds of 150kph (93mph), are expected to sweep across major cities including Beijing, Tianjin, and the Hebei region, propelled by a cold vortex descending southeast from Mongolia.

For the first time in a decade, Beijing has declared an orange alert for gales, marking a significant step in its four-tier weather warning system. While strong winds from Mongolia are typical for this time of year, meteorologists indicate that the upcoming gusts will surpass anything seen in recent memory. Temperature drops in Beijing are expected to follow suit, plunging by 13 degrees Celsius within a day on Saturday, the period predicted to experience the strongest gusts.

Officials from the Beijing Meteorological Service have characterized this weather event as not only extreme but also long-lasting and extensive in its potential impact. China's wind speed scale ranges from 1 to 17, with levels 11 and 12 corresponding to "serious damage" and "extreme destruction," respectively. Anticipated wind speeds this weekend could tower between these destructive levels, triggering the suspension of multiple sporting events, including a humanoid robot half-marathon, now postponed to April 19.

In response to the looming threats, local parks and tourist sites have closed their doors, and construction activities alongside train services have come to a halt. To mitigate risks, thousands of city trees have been reinforced or pruned. Citizens are also cautioned to avoid mountainous and forested areas where winds are predicted to be particularly fierce.

Despite the alarming forecasts, some local social media users have maintained a sense of humor regarding the situation. One Weibo user remarked on the timing of the winds, saying, "This wind is so sensible; it starts on Friday evening and ends on Sunday, without disrupting work on Monday." Hashtags related to the impending winds, including the warning about weight, have been trending on Chinese social platforms with humorous anecdotes. Additionally, an alert has been raised regarding potential forest fires, leading to restrictions on outdoor fires.

The winds are anticipated to ease on Sunday night, but for now, residents are urged to prioritize safety as they await the storm's arrival.