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Strong winds affected Chinese capital Beijing and parts of northern China on Saturday, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, closure of tourist sites, and suspension of train services, according to state media.
The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said the winds were caused by a cold vortex system that had formed over Mongolia and moved across northern China from Friday through the weekend.
“The strongest winds are expected during the daytime of April 12, with wind speeds at some observation stations approaching or even surpassing historical records for the same period since 1951,” the CMA said.
Beijing issued an orange alert for strong winds — its second-highest warning level — for the weekend, marking the first time in ten years that such a warning was used.
By 2:00pm (local time), Beijing’s two major international airports — Beijing Capital and Daxing — had cancelled 693 flights, with officials warning of more severe weather expected in northern and coastal parts of the country.
Some train services, including the airport express subway and high-speed rail lines, were also suspended, CCTV said.
Tourist places such as the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Zoo, and Universal Studios theme park were also closed temporarily on Saturday.
China is the largest source of greenhouse gases, which scientists say are causing climate change and making extreme weather more common.
Strong winds and sandstorms often occur in northern China, a dry area that includes the Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts, surrounded by grasslands, mountains, and forests. China has worked for decades to reduce the effects of sandstorms, especially in Beijing, which lies near a dry region. These storms can lower visibility, blow sand into buildings and clothing, and cause discomfort to the eyes, nose, and ears.
Last year, storms caused floods in various parts of China, killing several people and forcing thousands to leave their homes.
In May, a highway in southern China collapsed after several days of rain, resulting in the deaths of 48 people.
