In a rare weather event, powerful winds in northern China have uprooted trees, prompted evacuations, and led to drastic changes in travel plans as authorities warn residents of potential dangers.
Northern China Faces Devastating Winds, Residents Advised to Stay Indoors
Northern China Faces Devastating Winds, Residents Advised to Stay Indoors
Beijing's 22 million residents are urged to remain indoors as historic winds sweep through northern China, causing significant damage and evacuations.
Northern China is grappling with severe winds described as the most powerful April gusts in 70 years, prompting authorities in Beijing to advise its 22 million residents to remain indoors. The state news media noted that peak wind speeds could reach between 83 and 92 miles per hour, driven by a polar vortex sweeping from Mongolia.
The severe weather has already led to substantial disruptions. Beginning on Friday, winds toppled over 400 trees and necessitated the evacuation of nearly 7,000 residents in the capital. Local reports indicated that the winds were accompanied by dust storms, creating hazardous conditions across the area.
Yang Bobo, a finance postgraduate in Beijing, described the frightening experience, saying the winds sounded “like ghosts” and caused significant damage, including the smashing of a glass door at her school. On Saturday, winds rattled windows and knocked over utility poles, leading authorities to cancel numerous outdoor activities, including soccer matches and a marathon set for Sunday.
The fierce winds have impacted travel significantly. China Southern Airlines canceled over 340 flights due to the inclement weather, and public transportation services, including trains and buses, were suspended over the weekend. As the city had recently enjoyed warmer weather with temperatures in the 80s, a sharp drop to a forecasted high of only 57 degrees Fahrenheit is expected.
The weather system creating chaos in China is also impacting neighboring regions. Meteorologists in South Korea and Japan issued strong wind warnings on their western coasts, linking the extreme conditions to the same polar vortex affecting northern China.
As the situation continues to develop, it remains crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed and heed local advisories to ensure safety amid these unprecedented weather conditions.
