Strong wind warning  

北京市气象台发大风蓝色预警 阵风7-8级伴有沙尘

The National Center for Performing Arts, one of Beijing's landmarks, is shrouded in sand and dust in Beijing, capital of China, May 27, 2014. (Xinhua/Wang Huaigui)

(ECNS) -- Beijing will be affected by strong winds from Tuesday morning to night, with the highest wind level up to eight (meaning winds of 17.2-20.7 meters per second), the city's meteorological authority said.

The Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued a blue alert for strong gale at 10 am Tuesday, suggesting residents to secure outdoor items properly and not stay long under temporary structures vulnerable to the wind, such as billboards and scaffolding.

Chinese meteorological authorities use a four-tier color-coded weather warning system of "blue," "yellow," "orange" and "red," with "red" being the most severe.