Strong Winds, Sandstorms, and Blizzards Trigger Alerts and Disruptions Across Multiple Regions

The National Meteorological Center (NMC) continued issuing warnings for severe weather on Sunday, following several days of alerts. These included warnings for gales, along with blue warnings for sandstorms and blizzards, impacting multiple regions and prompting authorities to implement preventative and emergency response measures. The NMC had previously issued an orange warning for strong winds and blue warnings for sandstorms and blizzards.

Beijing has been significantly affected, experiencing strong winds since Friday evening. Maximum wind speeds at several meteorological stations exceeded previous April records, with some stations reaching all-time highs. The capital city had issued an orange wind alert, its first in a decade. Extreme winds were recorded across the city, with many stations measuring gusts at force 9 or higher, and some reaching force 12 to 14. Strong winds are expected to continue through Monday due to a cold air front.

The strong winds have caused widespread disruptions. Train services on several railway lines in Beijing were suspended due to the gale warning. The Air Traffic Management Bureau cautioned that airports faced operational disruptions, advising travelers to monitor flight updates. Damage and injuries have also been reported. In Tianjin, numerous cases of fallen trees were handled. Tragically, a woman in Anhui Province died after being struck by a falling tree. Financial regulators in Beijing reported hundreds of insurance claims related to the winds.

Experts attribute the strong winds to a combination of factors, including a rapid temperature rise in some areas and an exceptionally strong cold air mass from Siberia and Mongolia. The collision between the cold front and pre-existing warm air has triggered severe gales and violent convective weather, including sandstorms. The dust carried by the wind has significantly impacted air quality, leading to elevated pollution levels in affected regions.

To better prepare for future extreme weather events, experts emphasize the importance of enhanced monitoring, early warning systems, and improved forecasting capabilities. Strengthening infrastructure, emergency response systems, and making adjustments to industrial and transportation structures will also be crucial to improve resilience against various climate phenomena.