Heavy snowfall has led to significant disruptions in Eastern Bulgaria, prompting authorities to issue an orange weather code for five regions: Razgrad, Silistra, Dobrich, Shumen, and Targovishte.
Some areas are expected to accumulate up to 25 centimeters of snow, while a yellow code remains in effect for five additional regions, warning of hazardous conditions. Snow cover across the country varies between 15 and 40 centimeters.
The Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) has urged motorists to take extra precautions when traveling, advising them to ensure their vehicles are equipped with fuel, winter tires, and snow chains where necessary.
Drivers are also encouraged to check real-time updates from the RIA situation center before embarking on any journey. Nearly 1,000 snow-clearing machines are actively working across the national road network.
Severe weather has forced the temporary closure of the Varna-Burgas road at the request of the Burgas Regional Road Administration.
Traffic is currently halted from the Staro Oryahovo junction towards Burgas while snow removal operations continue between Obzor and Sunny Beach. Authorities recommend that travelers use the Aytos Pass as an alternative route.
Additional restrictions are also in place on several mountain roads, including the Pamporovo-Prevala-Rozhen passes in Smolyan, the Devin-Krichim road, and the Pazardzhik-Yundola-Velingrad road.
Despite the ongoing snowfall, the crucial Shipka and Republic Passes remain open, though they are experiencing heavy snow accumulation.
Maintenance crews have been working around the clock for more than 70 hours to ensure these vital routes remain accessible. However, road authorities have warned that supplies of inert materials, such as salt and sand, are running low.
More than 1,000 tons of each have already been used, and restocking efforts from Burgas may take several days. Officials have reassured the public that there is no immediate risk of closing the passes.
The Stara Zagora region has also been significantly affected, with snowfall measuring between 15 and 30 centimeters, particularly near Kalofer.
Although roads in the area remain passable under winter conditions, authorities caution that strong winds could lead to drifting snow, further complicating travel.
The extreme weather has also caused power outages in several villages within the Varna region. The municipalities of Dolni Chiflik and Byala have been particularly affected, with villages such as Golitsa, Solnik, Bulair, and Popovich left without electricity since last night due to damaged power lines.
Additionally, parts of Dobrogled remain without power following a transformer failure. Energy companies are working to restore power, but difficult weather conditions are hindering repairs.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the snowfall persists, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution on the roads. Emergency crews remain on high alert, ready to respond to further disruptions caused by the severe winter weather.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members