Trees Uprooted and Ping-Pong Ball-Sized Hail Falls... China Hit Hard by Strong Winds

Photos and Videos of Hailstorm Shared on Chinese Social Media Platform Weibo
Experts Advise: "Refrain from Outdoor Activities and Going Outside"

Hailstorms struck Xi'an, China, accompanied by heavy rain, thunder, and strong winds.

Hailstorm in Xi'an, China. Weibo

According to multiple Chinese media outlets on May 8, strong winds, heavy rain, and hail hit Xi'an that day, uprooting trees and damaging some vehicles and outdoor facilities.

On May 9, posts appeared on Chinese social media platform Weibo, such as, "I was running home when hail suddenly started falling. It was truly frightening," and "I was shocked by the hailstorm. I was scared the windows would break." Photos and videos were also uploaded, showing hail quickly filling a basin, uprooted trees on the streets, and damaged vehicles.

A street scene swept by strong winds on the 13th of last month in Fuyang, Anhui Province, eastern China. This photo is provided to aid understanding of the article and is unrelated to the content. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

According to the China Meteorological Administration, from 8 p.m. on May 8 to 8 p.m. on May 9, winds of force 5-6 and gusts of force 7-8 are expected in southern and northwestern Hebei Province, Beijing, northern Liaoning Province, central Jilin Province, northern Henan Province, most of Jiangsu Province, and other regions. In some areas such as eastern Qinghai Province, eastern Gansu Province, Ningxia, and northern Shanxi Province, average wind speeds may reach force 7 or higher, with gusts possibly reaching force 8-10. In addition, storms or hail of force 8 or higher are expected in central China, central Huanghuai, eastern Jianghuai, central and eastern Jiangnan, and some areas in northern southern China. Among these, some areas such as southwestern Fujian Province, northeastern Guangxi Province, and northeastern Guangdong Province may experience storms of force 10 or higher, with maximum wind speeds expected to exceed force 11. Localized tornadoes are also likely in areas such as northeastern Guangxi Province.

China National Typhoon Forecast Map. China Meteorological Administration

On the same day, Shanghai issued more than three warnings for heavy rain and strong winds. Some bus services were suspended, and certain flights were canceled.

Meteorological experts warned that rain would continue in the north and south until the afternoon of May 9, accompanied by strong convective weather. They advised, "Please pay attention to forecasts and warnings," and added, "During periods of strong convection, refrain from going outdoors or engaging in outdoor activities, and exercise caution regarding traffic safety when traveling."

On April 21, the worst hailstorm in a decade struck southern China, damaging the roofs of many houses and vehicles. Large hailstones with diameters exceeding 5 centimeters fell with strong winds, damaging crops, car windows, and house roofs. At the time, meteorological experts explained, "The hail was caused by intense collisions between cold and warm air currents," and added, "As global warming increases the energy in the atmosphere, strong convective weather is occurring more frequently, and extreme weather events are becoming more common."

Meanwhile, according to the "China Wind Power Classification Standard," force 8 winds have a speed of 17.2 to 20.7 meters per second. At this level, branches break, and people feel strong resistance when walking. Force 9 winds reach 20.8 to 24.4 meters per second and can cause some damage to houses. Force 10 winds are classified as strong winds with speeds of 24.5 to 28.4 meters per second, which can uproot trees and cause houses to collapse. Winds of force 11 or higher, with speeds of 28.5 to 32.6 meters per second, are considered "storms" that are rarely seen on land. Force 12 is classified as a "hurricane," with wind speeds of 32.7 to 36.9 meters per second. Force 13 winds reach 37.0 to 41.4 meters per second.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.