Strong Winds Disrupt Travel in Beijing: Hundreds of Flights Cancelled

Beijing's capital faces unprecedented disruptions as powerful gusts of wind force the cancellation of hundreds of flights and train services, leaving many residents to adjust their travel plans in response.

Hundreds of flights were grounded in Beijing and northern China on Saturday due to strong winds sweeping through the region. By mid-morning local time, a staggering 838 flights had been cancelled across the capital's two main airports, as reported by Reuters. These wind gusts reached speeds up to 93 mph (150 kph), marking the most powerful winds to hit Beijing in over fifty years and are predicted to persist throughout the weekend.

Authorities have closed various attractions and historical sites, urging millions to remain indoors amid warnings about the severe storm system. Some local news outlets cautioned that people weighing under 50 kg could be at risk of being "easily blown away." Public transport services, including the express subway line connecting to the airport and several high-speed rail routes, have also been halted. Parks across the city were closed, and efforts to secure trees failed to prevent almost 300 from being uprooted.

As the wind wreaked havoc, damage to vehicles occurred without any reported injuries among the city's residents. Many heeded the warnings, resulting in eerily deserted streets across the 22 million-strong population. However, some locals noted that the situation was not as hazardous as initially anticipated. A businessman stranded in Beijing due to the cancellations expressed his frustration, stating, "I will probably rebook my flight in a couple of days. I'm now basically stranded in Beijing."

The extreme winds are attributed to a cold vortex system originating from Mongolia, a common occurrence in spring that has been exacerbated by climate change, leading to more severe storms. For the first time in ten years, Beijing issued an orange alert for strong winds, indicating the intensity expected over the weekend. China's meteorological scale rates wind on a system of one to 17, with the strong winds anticipated to fall within the range of levels 11 to 13, indicating significant damage risks. Conditions are expected to improve by Sunday, but residents remain vigilant.