High winds and sandstorms swept through many parts of northern China over the weekend, prompting the issuance of weather alerts cautioning residents to pay attention to safety under severe conditions.
The sandstorm prompted traffic control on some road sections in Ruoqiang County, the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday afternoon, as monitoring footage showed the storm nearly engulfing the roadway.
Hohhot City of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region saw strong winds and sand-dust on Sunday morning, with average wind force reaching Force 5-6. Strong winds carried sand and dust across the city, significantly reducing visibility.
Temperatures fell sharply. In Hohhot, temperatures dropped by more than eight degree Celsius on Sunday, with the lowest temperature dropping to below zero.
Datong City in north China's Shanxi Province also saw strong winds and sandstorm, with the instantaneous maximum wind speeds reaching level 9 or above.
As the sand and dust filled the air over central Datong and visibility dropped markedly, railway departments immediately activated emergency response plans. They also stepped up safety inspections along railway lines to promptly remove hazards.
North China's Tianjin Municipality was also hit by strong winds accompanied by sandstorm on Sunday. In some areas, brief rain showers occurred, and rainwater mixed with dust, making it inconvenient for residents to travel.
Multiple districts in Tianjin issued yellow alerts for thunderstorms, which is typically the second level in a four-stage, color-coded warning system used for weather, fire or security.
Since Saturday night, sandstorms have been reported in several areas across northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
The adverse weather persisted on Sunday, with temperatures dropping noticeably, and frost being reported in some areas.
Gale, sandstorm hit parts of north China
