An intense thunderstorm, accompanied by heavy rainfall and hail, broke out in the early afternoon over Haskovo. According to data from the local hydro-meteorological observatory, 34.5 liters per square meter of rain fell in about three hours, leading to the rapid flooding of key streets and boulevards in the city, BTA reported.
The torrential rain with thunder and hail turned some of the main thoroughfares into rivers. Deep water sections formed in the area of the City Garden, where cars became stranded.
Flooded boulevards and stranded cars in Haskovo
A woman reported that she was trapped in her car in a flooded area. A fire department crew responded to the scene, pushed the car onto the sidewalk, and led the woman to safety. According to BNT, she was not injured.
In various parts of the city, the fallen hail reached ice pellet sizes of about 7–8 millimeters. Strong winds and rainfall led to broken and fallen branches, as well as severed cables. Important road sections were flooded, requiring the intervention of firefighters to assist drivers with stranded vehicles.
Dozens of calls to the fire department, no injuries reported
By 4:00 PM, more than 20 calls had been received by the regional fire service. Most of the calls were regarding flooded ground floors and basements of residential and public buildings.
Despite the serious infrastructure difficulties, there are currently no reports of people injured. Teams continue to drain critical sites and clear the aftermath of the storm.
Storm in the Svilengrad region as well, yellow code for the area
Rain with hail is also reported from the Svilengrad region, where the storm also led to local flooding and damage to vegetation. However, there is currently no data on serious material damage.
A yellow code for significant rainfall, thunderstorms, and possible hail has been declared for the region today. Authorities are urging citizens to monitor the forecasts and limit travel during intense rainfall.
Downpour floods the Dalgopol–Aytos road, traffic is stopped
Heavy rain has flooded a bridge in the village of Medovets, Dalgopol municipality, but there are no people in distress, BTA further reported. The road to Aytos, via the mountain pass through Dalgopol, is covered with about 50 cm of water and mud deposits. In this section, traffic is temporarily closed due to hazardous conditions.
About 5 km from Dalgopol, in the direction of the village of Royak, a tree has fallen onto the roadway. The Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior – Varna informs that crews are working to clear the section and secure traffic.
Police monitoring the situation on site
The situation in the affected areas is being monitored in real time by police and fire department officials. If necessary, additional traffic restrictions and detour routes will be introduced.
Authorities remind drivers to drive with increased caution, avoid passing through flooded sections, and follow the instructions of the traffic control authorities. Citizens are urged to secure their yards and balconies and, if possible, avoid staying under trees during a storm.