Mass Flight Cancellations in China: Strong Winds Disrupt Travel in the Capital

Hundreds of flights have been canceled and train services suspended as strong winds struck Beijing and northern China this past Saturday. By 11:30 am local time, a staggering 838 flights were grounded at the capital’s main airports, according to Reuters.

Wind gusts were recorded at up to 93 mph (150 kph), the highest seen in the city in over 50 years. These powerful winds are expected to continue through the weekend, prompting the closure of popular attractions and historic sites. Local authorities urged millions of residents to stay indoors. Some media even warned that people weighing less than 110 pounds might be at risk of being blown away.

Train operations, including the express subway line to the airport and several high-speed rail services, were temporarily halted. Parks across Beijing shut their gates, with some trees reinforced or trimmed to minimize damage. However, nearly 300 trees have already fallen over due to the storm. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries, but some vehicles were damaged, demonstrating the extent of the impact.

Most residents adhered to the government’s advice to remain indoors, with reports indicating that Beijing’s streets were unusually quiet. One local expressed mixed feelings about the situation, stating, “Everyone was really nervous about it. However, it wasn’t as severe as I had imagined.”

One businessman from Zhejiang, near Shanghai, shared his frustration after having his flight home canceled. “I’m basically stranded in Beijing now,” he said, as he planned to rebook his flight in a couple of days.

The chaotic weather is caused by a cold vortex system moving over Mongolia. Winds sweeping dust and sand from Mongolia aren’t uncommon in springtime. However, it’s worth noting that climate change can intensify these storms. According to climate experts, conditions that once brought mild winds may now lead to extreme weather patterns.

This weekend’s winds prompted Beijing to issue its first orange alert for strong winds in ten years. The China Meteorological Administration measures wind speeds on a scale of one to 17. Winds at levels 11 and 12 can cause significant to extreme damage. For this weekend, authorities expect winds to range between these two levels, with some improvement anticipated by Sunday.

As residents anxiously wait for the weather to calm down, it’s a reminder of the unpredictability of nature. It’s clear that climate change is reshaping typical seasonal weather patterns, making intense storms more common across the globe.



Source link