**Strong Winds Cause Widespread Disruption in Beijing, Resulting in Flight Cancellations**
On Saturday, Beijing and surrounding areas in northern China experienced severe weather conditions that led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the suspension of train services. The strong winds reaching speeds of up to 93 mph (150 kph) marked the most intense gusts recorded in the capital in over half a century, resulting in widespread disruptions to transport and public services.
By 11:30 AM local time on April 12, 2025, reports indicated that approximately 838 flights had been cancelled across two major airports in the city, highlighting the significant impact of the gale force conditions on air travel. The alarming wind speeds not only disrupted flights but also resulted in the closure of various tourist attractions and historical sites, as local governments attempted to ensure public safety. Residents were advised to remain indoors, and state media cautioned those weighing less than 50 kg about the potential dangers of being easily blown away by the winds.
In addition to flight cancellations, essential train services including the express subway line to the airport saw significant operational disruptions, further complicating travel plans for commuters and tourists alike. Parks across the city were also forcibly closed as city officials took precautionary measures, reinforcing or trimming old trees to mitigate potential damage. Despite these efforts, reports confirmed that nearly 300 trees had already succumbed to the adverse weather conditions in Beijing.
Local residents responded to the crisis with a heightened sense of apprehension, as evidenced by the reduced number of people on the streets. A resident expressed that although there was considerable anxiety surrounding the situation, the actual conditions were not as severe as initially anticipated, with fewer pedestrians visible in public spaces.
Travelers faced their own challenges as well, particularly those whose flights were suddenly cancelled. A businessman from Zhejiang province found himself stranded in Beijing due to the severe winds affecting all scheduled flights, stating that he would need to rebook his journey for the upcoming days. His experience reflected the frustrations and inconveniences faced by numerous passengers caught in the tumultuous weather conditions.
Meteorological experts attributed the strong winds to a cold vortex system originating from Mongolia, predicting that these harsh weather conditions would persist throughout the weekend. In response to the situation, Beijing issued its first orange alert for strong winds in a decade, indicating that the gusts faced by residents were anticipated to peak during Saturday.
China employs a wind-speed measurement system that categorizes winds from levels 1 to 17, with level 11 classified as capable of causing serious damage, while level 12 is considered to bring extreme destruction. This weekend’s winds were forecasted to range between levels 11 and 13, indicating the potential for substantial devastation if conditions persisted.
Public responses to the government’s advice varied, with many residents taking heed of the warnings to avoid unnecessary travel. As meteorological conditions were expected to stabilize by Sunday, the focus would shift towards the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the chaotic weekend. Given the severity of the wind and its far-reaching impacts on both daily life and travel, residents and authorities alike would have to navigate the challenges posed by this unexpected meteorological event in the days following the storm.