Bulgaria extends ‘code red’ weather warning for snow, wind to three districts
Bulgaria prolonged the “code red” hazardous weather warning in the southern districts of Smolyan and Kurdjali to March 7, extending it to the neighbouring district of Haskovo, as weather forecasts predicted more heavy snowfall and strong winds in the area.
The country’s meteorology institute said that the expected amount of snow in those districts were about 60-80 litres/square metre, while the winds could cause large snowdrifts.
Ten other districts were issued a “code orange” weather warning because of expected heavy snowfall – in addition to Plovdiv, Stara Zagora and Pazardjik districts, which had similar warnings issued for March 6, the dangerous weather alert also covered the Montana, Vratsa, Lovech, Gabrovo, Veliko Turnovo, Turgovishte and Razgrad districts. Strong winds were also forecast for Turgovishte and Razgrad districts.
“Code orange” warnings are issued when weather conditions pose risk to health and property, while “code red” alerts are meant for situations that could pose “significant danger to people’s health”.
The rest of the country was issued a “code yellow” warning for snow (in western and central Bulgaria) or rain and wind (in eastern Bulgaria).
Daily lows on March 7 were expected between -1C and 5C, with the highs ranging between 0C in western Bulgaria and 7C on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. In mountainous areas, the weather would be cloudy, with strong winds and snow.
(Photo: Michael Hornak)