As northern China braces for powerful winds exceeding 150kph, authorities have taken precautionary measures, shutting down schools and outdoor activities to ensure public safety.
China Enacts Indoor Safety Measures as Typhoon-Like Winds Approach
China Enacts Indoor Safety Measures as Typhoon-Like Winds Approach
Beijing and northern regions prepare for unprecedented gales as citizens advised to stay home
In light of an impending storm, millions in northern China have been urged to stay indoors this weekend as an extraordinary influx of strong winds is set to sweep through major cities including Beijing and Tianjin. With projections suggesting gusts reaching up to 150kph (93mph), the government has swiftly suspended classes, outdoor events, and has instructed workers to return home before the winds peak from Friday to Sunday.
This situation has prompted the issuance of an orange alert— the second-highest warning level in China’s four-tier weather system. Meteorological experts warn that these winds could be the strongest the region has experienced in a decade, largely fueled by a cold vortex originating from Mongolia, dropping temperatures significantly as much as 13 degrees Celsius within a mere 24 hours.
The force of these winds is serious and poses major risks. China's wind intensity scale, ranging from level 1 to 17, classifies this weekend's winds between levels 11 and 13, with potential for serious and extreme damage. Consequently, sports events have been rescheduled, including the anticipated half marathon featuring humanoid robots, now postponed until April 19.
As a precaution, parks and various tourist sites have closed while construction projects and train services have come to a halt. City officials have taken measures to secure trees against possible topple and cautioned citizens against hiking in forested or mountainous areas, where wind currents may become especially severe.
Despite the troubling forecast, social media has erupted with humorous takes on the situation, with several users acknowledging the well-timed ending of the storm set for Sunday evening, which thankfully allows for a normal workweek to continue. With floating hashtags and viral posts addressing the robustness of the winds, residents are also reminded of fire risks and the prohibition of outdoor flames. As the city prepares, officials recommend patience and caution, with expectations for winds to begin easing late Sunday night.
This situation has prompted the issuance of an orange alert— the second-highest warning level in China’s four-tier weather system. Meteorological experts warn that these winds could be the strongest the region has experienced in a decade, largely fueled by a cold vortex originating from Mongolia, dropping temperatures significantly as much as 13 degrees Celsius within a mere 24 hours.
The force of these winds is serious and poses major risks. China's wind intensity scale, ranging from level 1 to 17, classifies this weekend's winds between levels 11 and 13, with potential for serious and extreme damage. Consequently, sports events have been rescheduled, including the anticipated half marathon featuring humanoid robots, now postponed until April 19.
As a precaution, parks and various tourist sites have closed while construction projects and train services have come to a halt. City officials have taken measures to secure trees against possible topple and cautioned citizens against hiking in forested or mountainous areas, where wind currents may become especially severe.
Despite the troubling forecast, social media has erupted with humorous takes on the situation, with several users acknowledging the well-timed ending of the storm set for Sunday evening, which thankfully allows for a normal workweek to continue. With floating hashtags and viral posts addressing the robustness of the winds, residents are also reminded of fire risks and the prohibition of outdoor flames. As the city prepares, officials recommend patience and caution, with expectations for winds to begin easing late Sunday night.
