Violent storms batter Beijing, parts of northern China

Beijing [China], April 13: Storms and strong gusts of wind gusts are wreaking havoc in China's capital Beijing and some northern regions of the country.
Attractions such as Beijing's Forbidden City, typically bustling with tourists on weekends, remained closed on Saturday. Many events were cancelled due to the severe weather conditions, and authorities urged residents to avoid outdoor activities.
The city, home to some 20 million people, is no stranger to storms, which typically come from the desert and steppe regions of north-west China.
However, this weekend's storm prompted Beijing to issue the second-highest wind warning level for the first time in about a decade. Beijing's international airport reported the cancellation of more than 400 of the 1,200 flights scheduled by Saturday morning. Numerous trees were uprooted, and falling branches and debris caused damage to vehicles.
Source: Qatar Tribune