editor
Life in northern China has been thrown into disarray as violent winds swept across several provinces, damaging property, grounding flights, and leaving streets eerily empty.
For days now, residents have battled gusts so intense that authorities issued a warning for people weighing under 50 kilograms to stay indoors — a dramatic but sincere alert underscoring the storm’s danger.
The winds, part of a powerful storm system moving south from Mongolia, have been relentless. In Beijing, gusts peaked at 150 kilometers per hour — the kind of speed that uproots mature trees and sends debris hurtling through the air. For the first time in ten years, the capital issued its second-highest wind alert, marking how rare and severe this weather event truly is.
Entire parks were shut down, older trees were trimmed or reinforced, and officials raced to keep the streets safe. Despite these efforts, around 300 trees fell in Beijing alone, crushing cars and blocking roads. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
Air travel has also taken a hit. Hundreds of flights were cancelled or delayed across Beijing and Tianjin as wind gusts made flying too risky. Residents were urged to avoid non-essential travel and stay home until the situation stabilises.
The storm has also brought more than just wind. In some areas, there’s been heavy rain, snow and even lightning, adding to the misery. It’s not just a storm — it’s a multi-front assault on normal life.
Meteorologists say the storm is being fuelled by powerful cold air sweeping down from Mongolia, intensified by climate changes that are making such extreme weather more common.
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The combination of strong winds and colder temperatures has made outdoor conditions dangerous, even for the healthy and fit.
What makes this more than just a weather story is how it has affected everyday life. Families are stuck indoors. Public events have been cancelled. Even a much-anticipated robot half-marathon in Beijing had to be called off. The city — usually buzzing — feels paused.
For now, the priority is safety. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, while emergency crews work to clear fallen trees and restore normalcy. Northern China is no stranger to tough weather, but this storm has served as a stark reminder that nature, when roused, still holds the upper hand.
