Chinese braces for strong winds with millions said to remain indoors

They were said to hurry home, the hours were stopped and outdoor events were canceled as braces in northern China for extreme winds this weekend.

Millions have been called to stay indoors, with some state media warning that people weighing less than 50 kg (110 pounds – about eight stones) can be “easily bulging”.

The winds reaching 150 km / h (93 miles / h) are expected to sweep Beijing, Tianjin and other parts of the Hebey region from Friday to Sunday, as Studi Vihar moves southeast of Mongolia.

For the first time in a decade, Beijing has released an orange signal for the Gales-second highest in a four-stage time warning system.

The strong winds that are worn by Mongolia are not uncommon, especially at this time of year. But the upcoming winds are expected to be stronger than everything the area has seen for years.

Temperatures in Beijing are expected to drop by 13C within 24 hours when the strongest winds hit Saturday, authorities said.

“This strong wind is extreme, lasts for a long time, affects a wide area and is extremely catastrophic,” the Beijing Meteorological Service said.

China measures the wind speed with a scale that passes from level 1 to 17. Wind of level 11, according to the Meteorological Administration of China, can cause “serious damage”, while the level of the level 12 carries “extreme destruction”.

Winds are expected to range from level 11 to 13 this weekend.

Several sporting events planned for the weekend have been stopped, including the world’s first Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, which will now be held on April 19.

Parks and tourist attractions were closed as the authorities told residents to avoid outdoor activities while construction work and train services were stopped.

Thousands of trees throughout the city are reinforced or trimmed so that they do not fall.

Officials have warned people to avoid entering mountains and forests, where the gusts are expected to be particularly strong.

As residents are pursued, social media users find humor in their plans for the weekend.

“This wind is so sensible that it starts on Friday night and ends on Sunday without disturbing Monday’s work at all,” a Weibo user said.

The hashtags for the strong winds and the warning that those weighing less than 50 kg can be swept are in tendency for Chinese social media. One Weibo user refused: “I eat so much all the time, just for that day.”

Beijing also reported a signal for forest fires and forbidden people to start outdoor fires.

Winds are expected to start weakening on Sunday night.