Bulgaria: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least May 18

Event

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast across Bulgaria through at least May 18. As of May 17, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) has issued the following weather warnings across Bulgaria for May 18:

• Orange rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Plovdiv and Smolyan provinces.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Kardzhali, Plovdiv, and Smolyan provinces.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Kardzhali Province.

• Yellow rainfall warnings: Gabrovo, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pleven, Stara Zagora, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, and Vrasta provinces.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Haskovo, Montana, Pazardzhik, Vidin, and Vrasta provinces.

• Yellow wind warnings: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Kyustendil, Lovech, Pernik, Pleven, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen, Silistra, Sliven, Sofia City, Sofia, Targovishte, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, and Yambol provinces.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across Bulgaria. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Black Sea coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Bulgarian National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH)