Beijing is set to experience widespread strong winds from the evening of April 11th to the 13th. Many residents rushed to stock up on supplies before the strong winds hit, causing vegetables on supermarket shelves to be sold out. Some residents also taped a “米” shape on their windows to prevent glass breakage.
On April 10th, the Beijing Meteorological Service issued an orange alert for strong winds, the first city-wide alert of its kind in nearly a decade.
According to the alert, strong winds started in Yanqing, Changping, Mentougou, and Fangshan on the evening of the 11th, impacting the urban area around 8 p.m. Overnight, gusts gradually increased to levels of 8-9, with the period from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the 12th being the peak time for wind intensity. The average wind force in the city could reach level 6, with gusts reaching levels of 9 to 11 in plain areas and over 13 in mountainous regions. The strong winds are expected to last until the afternoon of the 14th.
As a result, some internet users have reported that Beijing supermarkets are overcrowded, with vegetables almost completely sold out. Photos shared by internet users show empty vegetable shelves.
According to reports by Jiupai News, staff at a Hema Fresh store in Dongcheng District, Beijing, mentioned a surge in orders, with vegetables running low and limited meat and water supply. The increased orders are expected to cause delivery delays.
The staff mentioned that despite the current situation, there has been no notice of closure or suspension of takeout services for tomorrow, and the store will continue regular operations. However, due to disruptions in logistics caused by the strong winds, restocking may be affected.
A reporter from the same media outlet used the Hema Fresh app to check the inventory of a store in Fangshan District, Beijing. The results showed that fresh vegetables were unavailable, with only some frozen fruits left. Meat supply was relatively sufficient, with delivery times indicating orders placed before 7 p.m. would arrive the next day.
Furthermore, some internet users have taken precautions such as taping “米” shapes on their floor-to-ceiling windows to prevent glass breakage, in response to the alarming wind forecast. Others have mentioned laying down electric motorcycles along roadsides to prevent them from being blown over by the wind.
Additionally, previous reports highlighted that some parks, tourist attractions, museums, memorial halls, and universities in Beijing have adjusted opening hours or temporarily closed. Beijing Capital International Airport has experienced delays and cancellations of multiple flights. Once the wind force reaches level 9 or above, certain sections of the ground and elevated railway lines will also cease operations.