Beijing, China — April 12, 2025
A powerful windstorm has struck Beijing, causing widespread disruption and triggering an extraordinary safety alert. Wind gusts reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour (93 mph) have grounded hundreds of flights and trains, while city officials have urged residents to stay indoors for their safety.
According to local reports, over 680 flights have been canceled at Beijing Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport, while more than 100 train services have been suspended across northern China. The extreme winds have downed trees, damaged public infrastructure, and sent debris flying through the streets.
In a highly unusual advisory, authorities warned that individuals weighing less than 50 kilograms (110 pounds) are at risk of being blown off their feet or even lifted by the storm-force winds. The warning has drawn significant attention on Chinese social media, where many expressed concerns for children, the elderly, and others in the weight range.
Public parks, tourist landmarks such as the Forbidden City, and several outdoor facilities have been closed temporarily. All outdoor events have been postponed until the storm subsides.
Adding to the chaos, the storm has also stirred up a severe sandstorm, drastically reducing visibility and worsening air quality in the capital. The city’s air pollution index surged into hazardous levels, prompting health alerts and renewed concerns over respiratory safety. Citizens are being urged to wear protective masks and avoid prolonged exposure outdoors.
Emergency response teams have been deployed across the city to assist with road blockages and property damage. Officials say the strong winds are expected to ease within the next 24 hours, but the cleanup and transport recovery may take several days.
Meteorologists note that while seasonal winds are not uncommon in Beijing during spring, the intensity of this storm is unusual and may be linked to broader shifts in climate patterns.
As Beijing braces for a slow return to normalcy, residents are left grappling with the storm’s impact — and an unforgettable warning that, in this case, being “too light” could be dangerous.
