Strongest winds of the new year hit Beijing

(Ecns.cn)-- Meteorological observatory authorities in Beijing issued a blue alert this morning, warning of a gale that has since swept over the city. It turned out to be one of the strongest since the new year arrived.

Winds intensified at around 9 a.m. and reached 5 to 6 on the scale, confirmed China National Radio (CNR), which made it quite difficult to ride a bicycle. The gusts are expected to abate this evening, and will retreat to normal levels tomorrow.

Unconfirmed news from Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter, has reported 15 people wounded and 10 accidental injury cases up to 13:10.