Strong Winds Batter Beijing, Leading to Widespread Flight Cancellations

In the wake of unprecedented wind gusts reaching up to 93 mph, Beijing's airports faced significant disruption over the weekend, prompting local authorities to take precautionary measures for public safety.

Hundreds of flights were grounded, and key train services were suspended as Beijing and northern parts of China were hit by gale-force winds that could be felt across the region. As of late Saturday morning, a staggering 838 flights had been canceled at the city's two main airports, according to figures released by the Reuters news agency.

The wind, which peaked at the highest speed recorded in the Chinese capital in more than 50 years, was largely attributed to a powerful cold vortex system moving in from Mongolia. These extreme conditions are forecasted to persist through the weekend, which has led to the closure of iconic attractions and historic sites in the area. On Friday, authorities advised millions of residents to remain indoors, with local media warning that individuals under 50 kg could be at risk of being "easily blown away" by the gusts.

Transport restrictions further compounded the situation, with the airport's express subway line and several high-speed rail routes being temporarily halted. Many parks around the city were also closed, while maintenance teams worked diligently to secure trees and infrastructure in anticipation of the severe weather. Despite proactive measures, nearly 300 trees fell during the storm, and several vehicles were damaged, though fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Local sentiments varied as residents grappled with the unusual weather. One Beijing local expressed relief that the situation wasn't as dire as anticipated, despite the city's streets being unusually quiet. Conversely, travelers found themselves stranded; one businessman from the Zhejiang province lamented his canceled flight home due to the weather disruption, indicating he may need to rebook in the upcoming days.

As part of its operational protocols, Beijing issued its first orange alert for strong winds in a decade, categorizing the gusts within China's wind measurement scale as potentially causing "serious damage." The winds registered between levels 11 and 13, with expectations of a gradual easing of the conditions by Sunday.