Regions in China suspend classes, close parks as extreme gale warnings trigger safety responses

Due to extreme gales alerts, several regions in China have enacted emergency safety measures. This includes the temporary suspension of classes in Xiong'an New Area, Hebei Province, the temporary closure of some parks and scenic spots in Beijing, and the suspension of partial train services as precautionary steps. Affected regions are intensifying their efforts to enhance preparedness and response to the predicted extreme weather conditions.

China's meteorological authority on Friday morning maintained a yellow alert for strong winds, in several parts of the country including Northeast China's central and southern regions and North China, according to the National Meteorological Center.

Impacted by a strong cold front, Xiong'an New Area in North China's Hebei Province is expected to face severe gales and a sharp temperature drop from Friday to Sunday. In response, all teaching activities will be suspended from Friday afternoon across local schools, according to CCTV News.

On Monday, classes will proceed as normal in Xiong'an New Area. Sports exams, athletic events, and other outdoor activities will be canceled or postponed. All outdoor construction work will be halted, especially high-altitude work in Xiong'an, said the CCTV News report.

Hebei provincial education authorities issued a notice Thursday night urging stronger preparedness for extreme weather. Schools should decisively suspend classes when necessary. All on-campus after-school programs, training courses, and team training activities must be suspended during extreme weather conditions, according to the notice.

Beijing's meteorological observatory has issued an orange windstorm warning, with peak intensity expected between 6 am and 10 pm on Saturday, the municipal emergency management office said in a notice. The office also reminded residents to minimize or suspend outdoor activities, stay clear of trees, billboards, and temporary structures.

Beijing raised its wind warning to orange - the second-highest alert level - on Thursday as strong gales are expected to sweep through the capital city. According to Central Broadcasting Network, this marks the city's first citywide orange wind warning in nearly a decade.

Due to the severe wind conditions, some passenger trains in Beijing and surrounding regions will be temporarily suspended from Friday to Saturday as a safety precaution, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The strong wind weather is expected to disrupt operations at Beijing Capital International Airport, potentially leading to flight cancellations or delays, according to Xinhua.

Meanwhile, authorities in Beijing and Tianjin have suspended certain cultural events and closed scenic sites as safety precautions.

This round of gale-force winds and temperature drops features exceptional intensity, wide coverage, prolonged duration, and high disaster potential. Tianjin has implemented 24-hour emergency shifts for critical roles, municipal authorities said Friday.

The topic related to "stay home Saturday" also trended on China's X-like social media Sina Weibo as safety advisory went viral.