Bulgaria: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least Sept. 3

Event

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across Bulgaria through at least Sept. 3. Storms may be accompanied by strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail. Disruptions have been reported in parts of Plovdiv Province as of early Sept. 3 following heavy rainfall since late Sept. 2. A partial state of emergency has been declared in the western part of Karlovo municipality due to flooding caused by the overflowing Stryama River. Several houses have been flooded in the villages of Rozino, Slatina, Stoletovo, Bogdan, and Karavelovo and there is no electricity supply or internet connection to the villages. At least seven people have been evacuated due to the floods and several roads in the region have been closed due to flooding, including sections of the Sub-Balkan road.

As of Sept. 1, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across Bulgaria:

• Orange rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Dobrich, Montana, Varna, Vidin, and Vrasta provinces.

• Yellow rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of the country.

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

Meteo Alarm
Bulgarian National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH)