Bulgaria: Adverse weather forecast across western regions through at least Sept. 11

Severe weather is forecast across much of western Bulgaria through at least Sept. 11. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across the region from late Sept. 9; strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours could cause flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

The National Institue of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area Sept. 10:

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across Blagoevgrad and Smolyan and parts of western Kyustendil, southern Pazardzhik, and western Pernik provinces.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of the affected area.

Officials could update and possibly 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. Where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks, disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible.

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 the affected area. 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 possible in areas with 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.