Bulgaria, Greece, Turkiye: Adverse weather forecast across much of Greece and parts of eastern and southern Bulgaria and western Turkiye through at least Feb. 13

Severe weather is forecast across much of Greece and parts of eastern and southern Bulgaria and western Turkiye through at least Feb. 13. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected across much of the affected region. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of Feb. 12, the respective meteorological services have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rain warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southern Kardzhali and southern Smolyan provinces in Bulgaria and Central and Eastern Macedonia, Cyclades Islands, Dodecanese Islands, Ionian Islands, North East Aegean Islands, Thrace West Peloponnese, and West Sterea regions in Greece.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Central and Eastern Macedonia, Cyclades Islands, Dodecanese Islands, Ionian Islands, North East Aegean Islands, West Peloponnese, and West Sterea regions in Greece and Balikesir, Canakkale, and Mugla provinces in Turkiye.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of northern and western Kardzhali and eastern, northern, and western Smolyan provinces in Bulgaria and Crete Region in Greece.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Crete, East Sterea and Evia, Thessaly, and West Macedonia regions in Greece and Aydin, Erdine, Izmir, Kirklareli, and Manisa provinces in Turkiye.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across eastern and parts of southern Bulgaria, Crete, Cyclades Islands, Dodecanese Islands, and North East Aegean Islands regions in Greece, and Balikesir, Canakkale, Edirne, Kirklareli, and Mugla provinces in Turkiye.

Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

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 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 heavy rain has saturated the soil.

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 or landslides impact utility networks.

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. The disruptive weather may cause delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

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