Beijing and Northern China Paralyzed by Worst Storm in a Decade
Breaking News: Unprecedented Wind Alert
Northern China is reeling under 150 km/h (93 mph) winds—the strongest April gusts recorded in decades—as millions in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province face life-threatening conditions. Authorities have issued an orange-level wind alert, the highest in Beijing since 2015, urging residents to avoid all non-essential travel until the storm subsides.1
Key Developments
- Flight Chaos: Over 700 flights canceled at Beijing’s Capital and Daxing airports, with major train routes suspended.
- Attractions Shut: The Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Universal Studios Beijing closed indefinitely.
- Humanoid Marathon Canceled: The world’s first robot half marathon postponed due to safety risks.
- Temperature Plunge: A 13°C drop in 24 hours, with snow and hail hitting western regions.
Inside the Storm’s Fury
Dust Apocalypse
Satellite imagery shows massive dust clouds engulfing northern China, reducing visibility to near-zero in urban centers. The storm, originating from Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, has turned skies orange and coated streets in sand.
Bizarre Warnings
State media explicitly warned residents weighing under 50 kg (110 lbs) to stay indoors, joking they risked being “blown away.” The advice went viral, with social media flooded by memes of people clinging to poles or floating mid-air.
Emergency Response in Action
- Tree Reinforcements: Thousands of trees pruned or braced to prevent collapses.
- 24/7 Patrols: Mountain rescue teams are stationed in vulnerable villages.
- Free Shelter: Shopping malls opened rest zones with free parking and charging stations.
Residents React: “Walls Were Shaking”
Beijing local Zhang Wei described the chaos:
“It felt like a hurricane—windows rattled nonstop, and trash bins flew past my balcony. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Videos shared online show uprooted trees crushing cars, street signs spinning like helicopter blades, and delivery drivers struggling to stay upright.
What’s Next?
The storm is expected to weaken by Monday, but experts warn of lingering risks:
- Aftershock Winds: Gusts up to 80 km/h possible through Tuesday.
- Health Alerts: Masks are recommended due to hazardous air quality from dust particles.
- Economic Toll: Billions in losses expected from transport halts and event cancellations.
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