Extreme Gales Prompt Widespread Safety Measures, Disrupting Travel and Daily Life

Several regions in China have implemented emergency safety measures due to alerts for extreme gales. These measures include the temporary suspension of classes in Xiong'an New Area, Hebei Province, and the temporary closure of some parks and scenic spots in Beijing. Partial train services have also been suspended as a precautionary step. Affected regions are increasing their efforts to prepare for and respond to the predicted extreme weather.

China's meteorological authority maintained a yellow alert for strong winds on Friday morning across several parts of the country, including Northeast China's central and southern regions and North China.

Xiong'an New Area in Hebei Province is expected to experience severe gales and a significant temperature drop from Friday to Sunday due to a strong cold front. In response, all teaching activities in local schools will be suspended from Friday afternoon. Classes are scheduled to resume as normal on Monday. Sports exams, athletic events, and other outdoor activities will be canceled or postponed. All outdoor construction work, particularly high-altitude work, will be halted.

Hebei provincial education authorities issued a notice urging stronger preparedness for extreme weather. Schools are instructed to suspend classes when necessary. All on-campus after-school programs, training courses, and team training activities must be suspended during extreme weather conditions.

Beijing's meteorological observatory has issued an orange windstorm warning, with the most intense winds expected on Saturday. The municipal emergency management office has advised residents to minimize or suspend outdoor activities and to avoid trees, billboards, and temporary structures. This marks the city's first citywide orange wind warning in nearly a decade.

Some passenger trains in Beijing and surrounding regions will be temporarily suspended from Friday to Saturday as a safety precaution. The strong wind weather is also expected to disrupt operations at Beijing Capital International Airport, potentially leading to flight cancellations or delays. Authorities in Beijing and Tianjin have suspended certain cultural events and closed scenic sites as safety precautions.

This round of gale-force winds and temperature drops is characterized by exceptional intensity, wide coverage, prolonged duration, and high disaster potential. Tianjin has implemented 24-hour emergency shifts for critical roles.