Eastern Bulgaria Gripped by Heavy Snow

A winter storm gripped much of Bulgaria Tuesday, bringing heavy snow and strong winds, with some areas in the country without electricity, while ice and snow have stranded many vehicles. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

Eastern Bulgaria woke up Tuesday in the grip of a heavy snow storm with treacherous roads, power outages and canceled school classes.

In the Region of the Black Sea City of Burgas, about 20 towns and villages are without electricity and schools in several villages are closed over impassable roads. The worst conditions are reported in the Ruen municipality where only 3 villages can be reached by car and many abandoned vehicles can be seen on the icy roads.

All roads around the city of Burgas are passable, so is the main road Burgas-Sofia.

In the other Black Sea city of Varna, the Mayor issued an order to close all schools. The decision about school closures on Wednesday will be announced by 5 pm. The day care centers in Varna are, however, open and public transportation is running, but experiencing delays. The ambulances are running as well. Snow plows, controlled by a GPS system, have been cleaning all through the night and are continuing work.

Heavy snow is reported in the Sliven, Slistra, and Ruse Regions but all roads are passable. Trucks have been stuck in several locations in the Silistra Region where a number of schools are closed.

The Regions of Dobrich, Yambol, and Shumen are also experiencing heavy snow and road closures. Bus transportation to a number of villages there has been canceled.

In the Stara Zagora Region driving through the Shipka Mountain pass is reported as very difficult; all vehicles must use chains while the road is closed for heavy trucks and tractor-trailer’s. The “Trakiya” highway is open for all traffic.

In Sofia, the situation is reported as normal with public transportation running on time. The Deputy Mayor informs all streets where public transportation vehicles are running have been cleaned by 4 am.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!