Two cyclones will cross Bulgaria one after the other in the next few hours, bringing heavy and dangerous rain and snow, forecasters at Meteo Balkans warned. In the mountains of central and southern Bulgaria, more than 100 litres per square metre will fall in places.

Gullies could suddenly overflow, and there is a risk of local flooding.

The rain will be uneven. Most affected areas can expect 30 to 50 litres per square metre. The Black Sea coast will see powerful convective downpours, and the 4x4 and ICON models suggest totals could top the first estimates.

"If this forecast comes true, we will see situations like those in Asparuhovo and Sveti Vlas on the same day," Meteo Balkans warned.

Because the storms are so strong, the line between rain and snow has briefly dropped below 1,600 metres above sea level. Snow will cover the mountain passes and the high parts of the mountains.

Forecasters urged the public and institutions to take extra care: "Be careful and do not underestimate the forecasts! The situation is starting to get worse."

Forecasters on duty expect temperatures to rise for a short time. A new cold spell will then sharply lower the snow line again.