Powerful Winds Paralyze Beijing: Flights Canceled, City Shuts Down

Published : Saturday, 12 April, 2025 at 5:24 PM Count : 62

Beijing and northern China are experiencing unprecedented disruptions as powerful winds, reaching speeds up to 150 kilometers per hour (93 mph), sweep through the region. Originating from a cold vortex over Mongolia, these typhoon-like gales have led to significant travel cancellations, the closure of historic sites, and advisories for residents to remain indoors.

By Saturday morning, 838 flights were canceled at Beijing's two major airports, Beijing Capital International and Beijing Daxing International, as reported by the Flight Master tracking app. Train services, including the airport's express subway line and certain high-speed rail lines, have also been suspended, causing widespread inconvenience for travelers.

In response to the severe weather, authorities have temporarily closed several of Beijing's renowned tourist attractions, including the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Beijing Zoo. The Universal Studios theme park has also suspended operations at least through Sunday. Public parks are shut, and efforts are underway to reinforce or trim old trees to prevent accidents.

The Beijing Meteorological Service has issued an orange alert for strong winds, the second-highest warning level, marking the first such alert in a decade. Residents, particularly the city's 22 million inhabitants, are advised to avoid non-essential travel and remain indoors to ensure safety. The strong winds have already resulted in over 700 fallen trees, causing damage to vehicles and property, though no injuries have been reported.

The effects of the cold vortex are being felt beyond the capital. Inner Mongolia has experienced late-season snowfalls, while southern regions of China have been hit by hailstorms. Sandstorms, originating from Inner Mongolia, are affecting areas stretching from the northern regions down to the Yangtze River, with expectations of reaching Shanghai.

The extreme weather conditions have prompted public concern, particularly for outdoor workers such as food delivery personnel who are braving the hazardous conditions. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions urging people to refrain from ordering deliveries during the storm to ensure the safety of these workers.

Meteorologists anticipate that the strong winds will persist through the weekend, with conditions expected to ease by Sunday. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities.

FP/Raj