Severe Storms Disrupt Daily Life in Beijing

Beijing, the bustling capital of China, has been significantly impacted by severe storms that have brought daily life to a near halt. Iconic landmarks, including the Forbidden City, which typically attracts thousands of tourists on weekends, have been closed to the public. Additionally, numerous scheduled events have been canceled due to the adverse weather conditions.

As of Saturday morning local time, the city's primary airport had canceled over 400 flights out of approximately 1,200 scheduled, according to reports. However, around 270 flights were able to take off, as reported by the state-run media outlet, China Daily.

The storms have caused widespread damage, with numerous trees uprooted and vehicles affected by falling branches and debris from buildings. The streets of Beijing, which usually buzz with activity, appeared unusually quiet as both vehicular and pedestrian traffic diminished.

For a city with a population of roughly 20 million, storms of this nature--often originating from the desert and steppe regions to the northwest--are not atypical during this season. Notably, this weather event marks the first issuance of the second-highest wind warning level in Beijing in nearly a decade. Authorities had advised residents to avoid outdoor activities over the weekend in light of the severe weather forecasts.

Other areas in northern China, including the neighboring Hebei province, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Henan, as well as parts of eastern China, have also experienced intense storms. The China Meteorological Administration has projected that wind gusts could reach nearly 150 kilometers per hour by Sunday morning local time. Furthermore, meteorologists have warned of possible sandstorms that may extend to coastal cities like Shanghai.