Hundreds of flights cancelled as strong winds sweep northern China

Cold Vortex system causes strong winds
The powerful winds originated from a cold vortex system formed over Mongolia, moving east and south across northern China from Friday through the weekend, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

Record wind speeds expected
The CMA stated that the strongest winds are anticipated during the daytime of April 12, with wind speeds at some observation stations approaching or even surpassing historical records for this period since 1951.

Orange alert issued
Beijing has issued its first orange alert—the second-highest tier—for strong winds in a decade for this weekend.

Flight and train disruptions
As of Saturday morning, 413 flights at Beijing's Capital International Airport had been cancelled, and train services, including the airport's express subway line and some high-speed rail lines, have also been suspended.

Closure of tourist attractions
Popular tourist attractions such as the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Zoo, and the Universal Studios theme park were temporarily closed on Saturday.

Damage reports
Almost 300 trees in Beijing had toppled, and 19 vehicles were damaged. Fortunately, no injuries due to the strong winds have been reported in the capital.

Climate change context
China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, which scientists indicate are driving climate change and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Last year, severe storms caused flooding that resulted in dozens of deaths and thousands of evacuations across the country. In May, a highway in southern China collapsed after days of heavy rain, leading to 48 fatalities.