Romania, Bulgaria: Adverse weather forecast across eastern Romania and eastern Bulgaria through at least June 16

Event

Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hail are forecast to develop across portions of eastern Romania and eastern Bulgaria through at least June 16. The affected areas include Bucuresti–Ilfov, eastern Center, North-East, South-East, and South-Muntenia regions in Romania as well as Burgas, Dobrich, Razgrad, Shumen, Silistra, Sliven, Targovishte, Varna, Yambol provinces in Bulgaria.

As of June 16, the National Meteorological Administration in Romania has issued orange-level warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail for southern North-East, South-East, and eastern South-Muntenia regions. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology in Bulgaria has issued orange-level warnings for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for Burgas, Dobrich, Shumen, and Varna provinces. Yellow-level weather alerts for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail are in effect for the rest of the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories, as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The low-pressure system will bring scattered thunderstorms containing heavy precipitation, strong winds, and hail across eastern Romania and eastern Bulgaria through at least June 16. Flash and areal flooding is possible, especially in areas where the soil is saturated from previous storms. Such flooding could occur in low-lying communities near watercourses and other bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain. The adverse weather conditions could cause sporadic power outages throughout the affected area through at least June 16.

Transport
Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and maritime passenger traffic in the Black Sea. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or debris is cleared. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair, or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements prior to travel in the affected area through at least June 16. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions if routing shipments through affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
National Meteorological Administration, Romania (Romanian)
National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, Bulgaria (Bulgarian)