Bulgaria, Romania: Adverse weather forecast across the region through at least Dec. 25

Adverse weather is forecast across Bulgaria and Romania through at least Dec. 25. As of early Dec. 24, the Romanian National Meteorological Administration has warned of snow and strong winds across much of the country through Dec. 25. Authorities have issued an orange weather warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for heavy snowfall and strong blizzards at altitudes above 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) in the Southern Carpathians and locally in the Eastern Carpathians through early Dec. 25. Yellow warnings for heavy snowfall, blizzards, rain, and strong winds are in place across most of the rest of Romania through early Dec. 25.

The Bulgaria National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued orange snow warnings across Gabrovo, western Kardzhali, Lovech, southern Montana, northern Sliven, Smolyan, northern Sofia, southern Targovishte, southern and central Veliko Tarnovo, and southern and central Vratsa provinces Dec. 25 and yellow snow, rain, and wind warnings across parts of northwestern and eastern Bulgaria Dec. 24 and the rest of Bulgaria Dec. 25. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change 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 downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations 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 could 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 may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. 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.

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.