Hundreds of flights cancelled in China as strong winds hit capital

Numerous flights have been canceled, and train services were halted as strong winds struck Beijing and northern China on Saturday. As of 11:30 local time (03:30 GMT) on Saturday, news agency reported that 838 flights were cancelled at the two main airports in the capital.

Wind gusts reaching 93mph (150 kph) – the highest recorded in the Chinese capital in over fifty years – are expected to persist throughout the weekend, leading to the shutdown of attractions and historical sites.

On Friday, millions were advised to remain indoors, as several state media sources cautioned that individuals under 50kg could be “easily blown away.” Train operations, including the express subway to the airport and certain high-speed rail services, have been halted. Parks were closed as well, with some ancient trees reinforced or pruned in readiness, but nearly 300 trees have already collapsed in the city.

Several vehicles sustained damage, but there were no reported injuries – in Beijing, the majority of residents adhered to officials’ recommendations to remain inside after the city urged 22 million inhabitants to steer clear of non-essential travel.

“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”, a local resident told the Reuters news agency.

While a businessman from the Zhejiang province had his flight home cancelled.

“Because of the severe winds, all flights scheduled for last night and today were cancelled. So I will probably rebook my flight in a couple of days. I’m now basically stranded in Beijing,” he said.

The intense winds are originating from a chilly vortex system over Mongolia and are anticipated to persist throughout the weekend. Beijing has issued its first orange alert for high winds in ten years, with the most intense gusts anticipated on Saturday.

China assesses wind speed using a scale ranging from level 1 to 17. A level 11 wind, as stated by the China Meteorological Administration, can result in “significant damage”, whereas a level 12 wind causes “severe destruction”. Winds this weekend are predicted to be between levels 11 and 13, with conditions anticipated to improve by Sunday.