Severe Winds and Sandstorms Force Flight Cancellations and Park Closures in Beijing
Beijing experiences strong winds and sandstorms, triggering flight cancellations and park closures to protect residents and mitigate damage from severe weather.
Overview
High winds and sandstorms have caused significant disruptions in Beijing, leading to the cancellation of 693 flights at two major airports and the closure of public parks and historic sites. Wind gusts reached up to 148 kph, the strongest in over 75 years, prompting warnings for more severe weather. Despite preparations, hundreds of trees were downed, crushing vehicles. Residents were urged to stay indoors, leading to a decrease in outdoor activity. Beijing is on alert, as expected wind conditions could continue into the weekend, challenging efforts to manage the impact of such storms.
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Articles (4)
FAQ
The severe winds and sandstorms in Beijing were caused by a cold vortex system that formed over Mongolia and moved across northern China from Friday through the weekend.
Beijing's two major international airports, Beijing Capital and Daxing, canceled 693 flights by 2:00 p.m. on the day the severe weather hit.
Residents in Beijing were urged to stay at home, and some sealed their windows to prevent damage. The city also closed public parks and historic sites to protect residents.
Past sandstorms in Beijing have reduced visibility, blown sand into buildings and clothing, and caused discomfort. China has worked for decades to lessen the impact of these storms through various environmental measures.
History
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