Beijing warnings as city engulfed by sandstorm

The Chinese capital is under the highest warning for a sandstorm Thursday, where buildings and traffic were shrouded with low visibility. The National Meteorological Center said in a statement that the sand and dusty weather and strong winds would last until Sunday, advising the public to take precautionary measures to guard against poor air quality.

The center's chief forecaster Gui Hailin earlier said sandy and dusty weather started on Sunday in south Mongolia.