A massive windstorm swept through northern China on Saturday, causing widespread disruption and damage across several provinces. The gale-force winds forced the closure of hundreds of parks in Beijing and led to the cancellation of thousands of flights.
According to the Beijing Municipal Landscaping and Forestry Bureau, emergency crews have been working around the clock. \”We’ve deployed 29,629 personnel and 4,394 vehicles to clear 1,202 uprooted trees and 4,336 large broken branches,\” a spokesperson said.
The storm reached record-breaking intensities, with nearly 500 national weather stations reporting unprecedented wind speeds. In parts of Beijing, Tianjin, and Henan, winds hit hurricane-force levels of 13 or higher. The fierce gusts didn’t stop there—they expanded rapidly, impacting southern regions along the Yangtze River.
Authorities took precautionary measures by shutting down 336 parks in Beijing, including all 13 major municipal parks, to keep residents safe. Meanwhile, the storm’s destructive force was felt beyond the capital. In Shanxi and Henan provinces, there were reports of rooftops and glass windows being torn off buildings.
The aviation sector faced significant turmoil. By midday, over 3,200 domestic flights were canceled—the highest single-day cancellation figure this year. Travelers were left stranded, and airlines scrambled to accommodate the disruptions.
The extreme weather highlights the challenges posed by increasingly volatile climate conditions. Emergency responses have been activated across multiple provinces as communities deal with the aftermath.
As the storm continues to move south, authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and stay updated on safety advisories. \”Your safety is our priority. Please heed warnings and take necessary precautions,\” officials advised.
