Residents prepare for the strongest winds in years, impacting outdoor plans and city operations.
Strong Winds Force Millions Indoors in Northern China
Strong Winds Force Millions Indoors in Northern China
Authorities issue urgent warnings as Beijing braces for extreme weather conditions.
As northern China faces an approaching storm, millions of residents are being advised to remain indoors as extreme winds are forecasted this weekend. Key cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, and regions of Hebei are under serious threat as winds could reach up to 150 kilometers per hour (93 mph), driven by a cold vortex moving southeast from Mongolia.
In a rare move, authorities in Beijing have issued an orange alert—signifying the second-highest wind-related warning on a four-tier scale. The severe gusts predicted are said to surpass any previous winds seen in the region for nearly a decade. Temperatures in the capital are expected to plummet by 13 degrees Celsius within a 24-hour period as the storm hits on Saturday.
The Beijing Meteorological Service has categorized the incoming winds as exceptionally intense, long-lasting, and widespread. China’s classification system rates wind speeds from level 1 to 17, where winds reaching levels 11 to 13 can result in considerable and severe destruction.
In response to this impending weather crisis, numerous events have been canceled, including a high-profile humanoid robot half marathon, now rescheduled for April 19. Parks and tourist spots across the city have also been shuttered indefinitely, with construction halted and train services suspended as a precautionary measure.
To safeguard against falling debris, thousands of trees throughout Beijing have been pruned and reinforced. Residents are explicitly warned to refrain from entering forested and mountainous regions, where winds are anticipated to be strongest.
Despite the serious warnings, some citizens have taken to social media to share their thoughts humorously, with many joking about adjusting their weekend activities in light of the storm. One user remarked regarding the timing of the winds: “This wind is so sensible, it starts on Friday evening and ends on Sunday, without disrupting work on Monday at all.” Meanwhile, hashtags highlighting the warnings about potential dangers to lightweight individuals have been trending on platforms like Weibo.
As residents prepare for the weekend’s challenges, the potential for dangerous winds has not only brought attention to safety measures but also sparked a lighter social commentary on the disruptions that accompany nature’s whims. Forest fire alerts have also been issued, prohibiting outdoor fires, and forecasts suggest winds may begin to subside by Sunday evening.
In a rare move, authorities in Beijing have issued an orange alert—signifying the second-highest wind-related warning on a four-tier scale. The severe gusts predicted are said to surpass any previous winds seen in the region for nearly a decade. Temperatures in the capital are expected to plummet by 13 degrees Celsius within a 24-hour period as the storm hits on Saturday.
The Beijing Meteorological Service has categorized the incoming winds as exceptionally intense, long-lasting, and widespread. China’s classification system rates wind speeds from level 1 to 17, where winds reaching levels 11 to 13 can result in considerable and severe destruction.
In response to this impending weather crisis, numerous events have been canceled, including a high-profile humanoid robot half marathon, now rescheduled for April 19. Parks and tourist spots across the city have also been shuttered indefinitely, with construction halted and train services suspended as a precautionary measure.
To safeguard against falling debris, thousands of trees throughout Beijing have been pruned and reinforced. Residents are explicitly warned to refrain from entering forested and mountainous regions, where winds are anticipated to be strongest.
Despite the serious warnings, some citizens have taken to social media to share their thoughts humorously, with many joking about adjusting their weekend activities in light of the storm. One user remarked regarding the timing of the winds: “This wind is so sensible, it starts on Friday evening and ends on Sunday, without disrupting work on Monday at all.” Meanwhile, hashtags highlighting the warnings about potential dangers to lightweight individuals have been trending on platforms like Weibo.
As residents prepare for the weekend’s challenges, the potential for dangerous winds has not only brought attention to safety measures but also sparked a lighter social commentary on the disruptions that accompany nature’s whims. Forest fire alerts have also been issued, prohibiting outdoor fires, and forecasts suggest winds may begin to subside by Sunday evening.
