Plans swept away by cold winds

Windy day: Women dressed in period costumes taking photos during strong winds outside the Forbidden City, Beijing. — AP

THE capital hunkered down as rare typhoon-like gales swept northern regions, forcing the closure of historic sites and disrupting travel while bringing late snowfalls and hailstone showers in some areas.

Windows shook and trees crashed onto footpaths and cars, rocked by gusts of wind driven by a cold vortex from neighbouring Mongolia that sent temperatures plunging by more than 12°C.