Bulgaria: Adverse weather forecast across most of the country Nov. 25

Heavy rainfall, heavy snowfall, and strong winds are forecast across much of Bulgaria Nov. 25. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may also accompany storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages. The combination of strong winds and snowfall could lead to blizzard conditions.

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area Nov. 25:

• Orange snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): northwestern Bulgaria.

• Orange rain warnings: northern and southern Bulgaria.

• Orange wind warnings: eastern Bulgaria.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and strong wind warnings: across the rest of Bulgaria.

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

The storm system could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in affected areas. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash, and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in parts of the regions over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in affected areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

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