Bulgaria: Adverse weather forecast across central, southern, and western regions through at least Dec. 8

Severe weather is forecast across much of central, southern, and western Bulgaria through at least Dec. 8. A mix of heavy snowfall and rainfall is forecast across the region over the coming days. Heavy downpours could cause flooding in low-lying areas and hazardous travel conditions are likely in areas where more wintry precipitation occurs.

The National Institue of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area Dec. 6-7:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Haskovo and Kardzhali provinces.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Blagoevgrad, Kyustendil, Pernik, Plovdiv, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, and Yambol provinces.

• Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: Blagoevgrad, Kyustendil, Montana, Pernik, Sofia, and Vratsa provinces.

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

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 affected area over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous 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 will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding and/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.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.