“Lighter people can be swept away:” Severe strong winds prompt orange alert in China

Authorities in China have urged millions to stay indoors this weekend as an intense cold front approaches, bringing with it potentially hazardous winds. State media outlets even warned that individuals weighing under 50 kilograms could be at risk of being "blown away" due to the strong force of the gusts.

The cold front, sweeping southeast from Mongolia, is forecast to unleash wind speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour across Beijing, Tianjin, and other areas in the Hebei province.

In response, Beijing has issued an orange typhoon alert, the city’s highest in over a decade and the second-most severe level in China’s four-tier weather warning system.

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Although strong winds from Mongolia are typical during this season, officials say this event could be among the most severe in years. As the front moves in on Saturday, temperatures in Beijing are expected to plummet by 13°C.

China measures wind intensity on a 17-level scale. The China Meteorological Administration reports that level 11 winds can inflict “serious damage,” while level 12 is categorised as “severe destruction.”

This weekend’s storm is projected to bring winds ranging from levels 11 to 13.

As a precaution, authorities have postponed numerous outdoor activities, including the world’s first humanoid robot half marathon, now rescheduled for April 19.

Public parks and tourist sites have been closed, while train services and construction work have been suspended. Thousands of trees throughout the capital have been trimmed or reinforced to prevent potential hazards.

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Officials have also advised residents to steer clear of mountainous or forested areas, where winds are expected to be especially intense. A forest fire alert has been issued in Beijing, and residents are banned from lighting outdoor fires.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Chinese social media has found a light-hearted side.

Hashtags joking about the wind’s potential to lift lightweight individuals off their feet have gone viral, as users share humorous takes on their altered weekend plans.