Vratsa council declared a state of emergency in the city today, 13 November, because of hurricane-force wind with gusts of more than 110 km/h. The dangerous weather has lasted several hours and has caused damage in the city and nearby villages, the council said.
The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) issued a red code warning for dangerously strong wind in Vratsa region for 13 November. There is no higher warning level for dangerous weather. Other regions, and the Black Sea coast, also have warnings for strong gusts.
The council said it declared the emergency because of a direct danger to residents and widespread damage in the city. The wind has brought down trees and branches, torn sheet metal and other metal parts off buildings, and scattered objects across the streets. The loose sheet metal threatens pedestrians and cars.
The villages of Chelopek and Beli Izvor and the Kulata neighbourhood have no power.
Crews from BKS, the municipal services company, are working in the affected areas at the council's call. They are removing fallen trees, clearing branches and making risky spots safe. The checks and clean-up continue.
The council urgently asked people to go out as little as possible and stay at home while the gusts are dangerous. It also asked residents to bring in all loose items from terraces, balconies and window ledges so they do not fall on passers-by.
Flying objects and debris could fall both in towns and villages and in open areas. The council called on people to take extra care and follow the safety advice.
Hourly forecast and the days ahead: Weather in Burgas →