Stay indoors or risk being blown away, China warns light people

Chinese authorities have told people weighing less than 50 kilograms (7st 9lbs) to stay indoors this weekend because they could be “blown away” by heavy winds.

Gales of up to 93 miles per hour are expected to sweep through Beijing, Tianjin, and parts of Hebei from Friday to Sunday as a cold vortex is travelling south-east from Mongolia.

Beijing’s meteorological service has issued an orange alert, the first in a decade and the second-highest in China’s four-tier weather warning system.

Over 22 million people have been told to avoid non-essential travel – especially lighter people, who were warned they could be carried away by the gusts.

The warning for lighter people went viral on Chinese social media, with related hashtags trending on Weibo, a Chinese blogging website.

While strong Mongolian winds are common at this time of year, meteorologists warned the incoming vortex could bring gales stronger than anything seen in years.

“This strong wind is extreme, lasts for a long time, affects a wide area and is highly disastrous,” said the meteorological service.

The gusts are expected to reach levels 11 to 13 on China’s 17-level wind scale. Winds at level 11 can cause “serious damage” while level 12 brings “extreme destruction”, according to the meteorological service’s classification.

Authorities have made extensive preparations for extreme weather. Workers have been told to return home early, schools have suspended classes and outdoor events have been cancelled.

Parks, tourist attractions and construction sites have closed, while thousands of trees across Beijing have been reinforced with protective material. Transportation has been disrupted, with 56 train services cancelled on Friday and 103 on Saturday.

China Southern Airlines cancelled 31 flights for Friday and 17 for Saturday as of noon local time.

Meteorologists predict the winds to begin weakening Sunday night, with conditions expected to return to normal by Monday.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.