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China: High winds see flights canceled and trees felled

Kalika Mehta with AFP, dpa
April 12, 2025

Potentially record-breaking winds were predicted in capital Beijing and northern China over the weekend. Almost 700 flights had to be canceled and 300 trees were toppled by severe weather.

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The remains of a blue metal structure is shown after being blown over
No injuries have been reported so far despite the adverse weatherImage: STR/AFP/Getty Images

Residents in parts of northern China were warned not to go outside on Saturday as gale force winds caused hundreds of flights to be canceled.

State media reported rail services were also suspended as potentially record-breaking winds came from a "cold vortex system" that formed over Mongolia.

Children and adults see their hair and clothes struggle against the strong gusts
People were advised to stay homeImage: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said the severe weather conditions began on Friday and were expected to last through the weekend.

"The strongest winds are expected during the daytime of April 12, with wind speeds at some observation stations approaching or even surpassing historical records for the same period since 1951," the CMA said in a statement.

A man with his back to the camera walks in thick snow
Northeast Heilongjiang Province was hit by heavy snowfallImage: Chu Fuchao/Xinhua/picture alliance

Beijing also issued its first orange alert, the second-highest tier possible, in a decade warning of strong winds over the weekend.

What were the impacts of the winds?

Up to 699 flights were cancelled at Beijing's two airports by Saturday afternoon, while high-speed rail lines saw services suspended, state broadcaster CCTV said.

A man in an orange jacket sweeps snow from the road, with cars covered in snow to his left
Gale force winds and snow blanketed northern ChinaImage: Cheng Hongchun/Xinhua/picture alliance

Tourist attractions including the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Zoo and the Universal Studios theme park had temporary closures imposed.

Beijing authorities also postponed a half-marathon that would have featured humanoid robot racers on Sunday.

No injuries were reported but 300 trees in the capital had been toppled and 19 vehicles damaged, CCTV added.

Edited by Jenipher Camino Gonzalez