Powerful Winds Hit Beijing, Prompting Orange Alert and Disruptions
A powerful gust of wind has swept into the heart of Beijing, prompting concerns over fire safety and prompting the city to issue an orange alert for strong winds. As of 8 pm, the strongest winds recorded in the city were in the Yanqing district, reaching speeds of up to 30.8 meters per second, equivalent to a level 11 wind. In the plains area, the strongest winds were recorded in the Chaoyang district, near the Bird's Nest stadium, reaching 17.6 meters per second, equivalent to a level 8 wind. The Beijing Meteorological Bureau expects the winds to continue to intensify, with average wind speeds reaching level 6 and gusts in the plains area reaching levels 9 to 11.
12 April 2025
In some areas of Yanqing, Changping, Mentougou, Fangshan, Huairou, Pinggu, and Miyun, gusts may even reach levels 11 to 13, while mountainous areas may experience gusts above level 13. The strong winds have already made their presence known in several districts, including Dongcheng, Haidian, Shijingshan, Fengtai, and Chaoyang, where 7 to 8 level gusts have been reported. The rain associated with the storm has been relatively light, with an average of 0.8 millimeters of precipitation across the city, and the focus is now on the powerful winds and the potential fire hazards they may pose. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Netizens have taken to social media to share their concerns and experiences, with many expressing worries about the potential damage caused by the high winds and sharing photos and videos of fallen trees and debris. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce has reassured citizens that there is no need to stock up on supplies, as supermarkets and online platforms are well-stocked and operating normally. Many supermarkets, including Boxed Mart and Wumart, have announced that they would increase their inventory and operating hours to meet demand. Food delivery platforms such as Meituan and Ele.me have taken measures to ensure timely delivery and rider safety.
Several parks and scenic areas, including the Beijing World Park and Xishan National Forest Park, have announced temporary closures to ensure visitor safety, while the Palace Museum has closed on April 12 and will reopen on April 13, depending on weather conditions. Experts have reminded citizens to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding outdoor activities, securing loose objects, and staying away from windows and doors. They have also advised drivers to exercise caution, keep a safe distance, and avoid sudden turns or acceleration.
The strong winds have had a significant impact on the daily lives of Beijing residents, with the city's first orange wind warning in nearly a decade prompting authorities to warn citizens to avoid non-essential travel, especially in the evening when the winds are expected to intensify. Many residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities, especially during the peak wind hours, as the strong winds have caused disruptions to public transportation, with some bus routes and subway lines affected by the inclement weather.
To minimize potential damage and risks, residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items, reinforce doors and windows, avoid outdoor activities, stay indoors, and keep an eye on weather updates. By taking these precautionary measures, residents can help minimize the risks associated with the strong winds and stay safe until the weather improves. According to the latest updates, the winds are expected to continue to intensify, with the strongest winds expected between 10 am and 10 pm on April 12. The city's tree management department has reported that 288 trees have been knocked down by the strong winds, with seven power lines and 19 vehicles damaged.
In other parts of the country, the strong winds have also caused significant disruptions. In Henan, 40 national stations reported wind speeds that exceeded or reached historical records, with the maximum wind speed reaching 15 levels. The strong winds have also caused power outages, property damage, and disruptions to transportation. The Central Meteorological Observatory has issued a blue warning for sandstorms, with several provinces, including Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Ningxia, expected to experience strong winds and sandstorms. The observatory has also warned of strong rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail in some areas.
Experts have explained that the strong winds are caused by the interaction between cold and warm air masses, which creates a strong pressure gradient that leads to high wind speeds. The winds are expected to continue to affect the region until April 14, when they are expected to weaken. In the meantime, residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid traveling, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The government has also activated emergency response measures, with teams deployed to ensure public safety and minimize damage to property.
