powerful winds struck Beijing and northern China, causing widespread disruptions. By 11:30 AM local time, more than 800 flights were cancelled, and multiple train services were halted. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, as gusts reached historic strength. Despite the damage to vehicles and infrastructure, no injuries were reported. This weather emergency, driven by a cold vortex system from Mongolia, prompted Beijing’s first orange wind warning in a decade.
Flight and Rail Disruptions Amid Severe Winds
Strong gusts paralyzed air and rail travel across Beijing, with over 800 flight cancellations reported by 11:30 AM local time. Both Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport were affected, disrupting the travel plans of thousands. State-run media outlets confirmed that the strong winds led to the suspension of high-speed rail routes and the airport express subway system for safety reasons. In addition to this, parks in the capital were closed, and efforts to secure trees were made. Despite the damage caused to vehicles and infrastructure, no fatalities or injuries were reported.
Authorities acted quickly to ensure public safety, with an official warning issued on Friday advising millions of people to stay indoors. The government humorously cautioned those under 50 kilograms that they could potentially be “blown away” by the powerful storm.
Beijingers Stay Inside as Winds Sweep the City
The residents of Beijing adhered to the government’s advice, remaining indoors as violent gusts swept through the city. Beijing’s 22 million residents were told to avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary. As a result, public spaces, including popular tourist sites, were closed, and streets throughout the city appeared eerily empty. Despite the storm’s intensity, some residents reported feeling more anxious than expected, as the situation was not as dire as initially predicted.
Many travelers were left stranded as additional flights were cancelled, including a businessman from Zhejiang, near Shanghai, who was caught up in the chaos. “Flights last night and today got cancelled. I may book a new flight in two days,” he explained.
Cold Vortex Triggers Historic Winds in Beijing
Meteorologists attribute the intense winds to a cold vortex system that had settled over Mongolia. The system brought with it powerful gusts that were expected to persist through the weekend before easing off on Sunday. These spring storms, which typically bring sand and dust from Mongolia, have been intensifying due to shifts in climate patterns.
For the first time in ten years, Beijing issued its orange wind warning, which signals highly destructive winds. The Chinese meteorological scale ranges from 1 to 17 in intensity, with level 11 classified as highly damaging. This weekend’s winds were measured between levels 11 and 13, causing significant disruption and raising concerns for residents and authorities alike.
A Broader Climate Concern
Experts warn that as climate change continues, the frequency and intensity of such storms may increase, leading to more severe weather events across the region. The impact of these storms on infrastructure, air travel, and daily life highlights the growing vulnerability of urban centers like Beijing to extreme weather patterns. Government officials have promised to strengthen preparedness measures for future storms, although the challenges of mitigating the impact of these weather events remain considerable.
The violent winds that hit Beijing on April 15, 2025, left a lasting impact on the capital, causing widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and significant damage to infrastructure. While authorities took swift action to protect public safety, the storm’s intensity demonstrated the increasing threat posed by extreme weather. As the situation continues to evolve, residents and officials remain focused on managing the immediate aftermath and preparing for future storms.
