Winter has made an unexpected return to Northern Bulgaria, bringing snowfall, subzero temperatures, and hazardous driving conditions across the Balkan Mountains.
Several key mountain passes, including Petrohan, Shipka, Rozhen, Prevala, and Pamporovo, have been affected, prompting authorities to deploy road-clearing teams to ensure safe travel.
Heavy Snowfall and Road Conditions
The Petrohan Pass saw approximately 5 cm of snowfall, with temperatures plummeting to -7°C at midday.
Strong winds and dense fog further complicated travel, making visibility poor. Four snowplows have been actively working to clear and sand the roads, but conditions remain difficult.
A ban on heavy goods vehicles exceeding 12 tons remains in place, while all other drivers have been advised to equip their vehicles for winter conditions. Overnight, 29 machines were deployed throughout the Montana region to keep roads passable.
At Shipka Pass, while the road remains open to traffic, motorists are facing severe weather conditions, including high winds, freezing temperatures, and fog.
Authorities have stationed snow-clearing teams to operate every 30 minutes, ensuring that the road remains accessible. Snow cover has reached around 6 cm, and while no incidents have been reported, officials urge drivers to remain cautious.
Further south, in the Smolyan region, snowfall has accumulated in high-altitude areas, with Pamporovo receiving a particularly heavy layer of snow.
Afternoon temperatures in the region dropped to -6°C, and 15 road-clearing machines have been deployed to sand and clear major routes.
Unlike Petrohan and Shipka, the mountain passes of Rozhen, Prevala, and Pamporovo remain accessible to all vehicles, including those over 12 tons.
Traffic Disruptions and Safety Warnings
Despite the efforts of authorities, the sudden return of winter has led to disruptions. According to Smolyan Regional Governor Adrian Petrov, several vehicles became stuck on Prevala Pass due to premature tire changes from winter to summer. The incident highlights the risks posed by unexpected weather changes.
In addition, a fallen tree briefly blocked the road between Smolyan and the village of Smilyan, adding to travel difficulties. Road crews responded quickly, clearing the obstruction and restoring normal traffic flow.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions and urge all drivers to be prepared for winter hazards, especially in higher-altitude areas.
Authorities Urge Caution
With snow and icy conditions persisting in the mountains, officials are strongly advising motorists to take extra precautions. Drivers are encouraged to use winter tires, reduce speed, and follow instructions from road authorities to avoid accidents or getting stranded.
While winter’s return has created challenges for travel, the rapid response from road maintenance teams has helped to minimize disruptions. However, with unpredictable weather patterns continuing, authorities stress the importance of remaining vigilant on the roads.
Residents and travelers in affected areas should stay updated on road conditions and be prepared for further winter-related disruptions as the cold snap persists across Northern Bulgaria.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members