Severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds, have caused widespread disruption across Northeastern Bulgaria, leaving over 100 settlements in the regions of Ruse, Silistra, Shumen, Targovishte, Dobrich, and Varna without power.
In the Shumen region, which has been heavily affected by the ongoing storm, roads in the national network remain mostly dry, although infrastructure has been impacted by gusty winds. The local road conditions are manageable, but wind damage has caused significant disruptions.
Authorities have been working quickly to clear debris and mitigate further disruptions. In nearby Razgrad, the situation is more complicated due to fallen trees that have damaged the electricity distribution system and caused traffic delays.
Local roads are wet but have been treated to prevent icing, and authorities have deployed 13 snow removal machines to clear the area overnight.
Meanwhile, Targovishte has been dealing with several inches of snow, with local authorities focusing on treating roads with sand to ensure safety for motorists.
Despite the snowfall, all roads in the area remain open and passable. Dulovo, located to the north, also saw icy conditions overnight but has since cleared the roads to allow for safe travel.
Varna, one of the region’s largest cities, saw improvements in weather conditions over the course of the day. While some municipalities like Vetrino and Suvorovo experienced overnight power outages, local authorities have confirmed that electricity has now been fully restored.
However, the storm has caused significant damage in Pomorie, located on the Black Sea coast. In the early hours of the morning, hurricane-force winds toppled a 50-meter crane situated near the Fishing Port.
The crane, which had been located in front of a demolished hotel where new construction is underway, collapsed onto nearby boats, causing extensive damage.
At least one boat has been punctured, and several others have sunk. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries. Local authorities are currently conducting damage assessments and working with insurance companies to determine the full extent of the destruction.
Despite the progress in clearing roads and restoring electricity, the severe weather has left many residents of Northeastern Bulgaria on edge, with continued efforts to manage the storm’s aftermath.
Snow removal and debris clearing operations are ongoing, and authorities are advising the public to avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
Local government officials have urged citizens to take precautions as they continue to monitor weather conditions closely.
As the storm weakens, attention is turning to repair and recovery efforts, particularly in Pomorie, where the crane collapse has raised concerns about future damage to the port area.
The region’s emergency services have been praised for their swift response to the challenges posed by the storm, but officials are reminding the public to stay vigilant as lingering gusty winds and icy patches on roads may continue to pose risks throughout the coming days.