Millions of residents across northern China have been ordered to stay indoors this weekend as authorities brace for a rare and powerful windstorm expected to sweep through the region. Cities including Beijing and Tianjin, as well as Hebei Province, are facing wind gusts of up to 150 km/h, driven by a cold vortex moving southeast from Mongolia.
Officials have suspended outdoor activities, closed schools, and canceled public events. Workers were urgently instructed to return home early. In a highly unusual public safety notice, state media warned that individuals weighing less than 50 kilograms “could easily be swept away by the wind.”
For the first time in a decade, Beijing has issued an orange alert—the second-highest warning level in China’s four-tier meteorological system—specifically due to high winds. While gusts from Mongolia are common during this season, experts say this particular storm is far more intense than anything the region has seen in recent years.
“This storm is exceptionally strong, long-lasting, widespread, and has the potential to cause catastrophic damage,” stated the Beijing Meteorological Service.
Wind strength in China is measured on a 17-point scale. According to the China Meteorological Administration, winds rated at level 11 can cause “serious damage,” while level 12 winds bring “devastating destruction.” The approaching storm is forecasted to hit between levels 11 and 13.
In response, parks and tourist attractions have been closed, weekend sports events canceled, construction halted, and train services suspended. Thousands of trees across urban areas have been reinforced to prevent them from toppling in the storm.
Despite the looming threat, many Chinese netizens have turned to humor on social media. One trending post reads, “This wind is so considerate—it begins Friday night and ends Sunday, so it doesn’t interfere with work on Monday.” Hashtags related to the storm, including warnings for lightweight individuals, have gone viral across Chinese platforms. “I’ve been eating so much just for this day,” joked another Weibo user.
As the storm approaches, cities are locking down, but the online community is weathering the situation with a mix of caution—and comedy.
