Strong winds are sweeping the Northern part of China since Friday April 11, 2025.

The winds are strong such that nearly all outdoor activities including schooling, travelling, sporting events  and park activities, have been disrupted with locals being advised to stay indoors until the situation calms. At least 800 flights have been cancelled and nearly 300 trees have been uprooted.

The situation has left vehicles  and some properties destroyed, thus causing panic and nervousness among locals.

Areas that have been affected include Beijing, Hebei region and Tianjin.

What you need to know about the winds

According to Beijing’s meteorological department, the winds are stronger reaching 150kph. People weighing 50kgs and below rare at risk of being blown away.

These kind of  winds have not been witnessed in over 50 years and for the first time in a decade, Beijing was forced to issue an orange alert on the gales. The alert is the second highest in a four-tier weather warning system.

The winds, that will see temperatures drop to 13C in 24 hours, are caused by a cold vortex system over Mongolia.

“This strong wind is extreme, lasts for a long time, affects a wide area, and is highly disastrous,” the Beijing Meteorological Service stated.

According to experts, the climate change will result to more intense and dangerous dust storms in the region.

Measures that have been taken to avoid tragedy include;

• Suspending outdoor activities including travels
• Trees have been pruned or reinforced to prevent them from causing destruction.
• Parks and tourist attractions have been closed and tourists evacuated.
• Authorities have advised people against going to forests and mountains. The winds are expected to be stronger in the areas.
• Beijing has issued an alert on forest fires. Additionally, locals have been  prohibited from starting outdoor fires.