Astronomical Winter Starts with Heavy Snowfall and Traffic Disruptions in Bulgaria
Astronomical winter began on Saturday with heavy snowfall and rain across Bulgaria, leading to traffic restrictions and the closure of some mountain passes. A yellow weather warning was issued for 22 regions by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, CE Report quotes BTA
The Troyan Pass was closed to all vehicles from 6 PM due to snow, according to Georgi Genov of the Regional Road Directorate in Lovech. Earlier, only trucks over 12 tonnes were restricted.
Despite heavy snowfall, the Shipka Pass remains open, with four snow-clearing machines in operation, according to the Stara Zagora Regional Road Department. The Pass of the Republic, initially closed Saturday morning, reopened later, though trucks require chains.
Heavy trucks are temporarily banned from the Rozhen, Prevala, and Petrohan passes, the Road Infrastructure Agency reported.
In southern Bulgaria, traffic on the Trakia and Maritsa motorways remains normal despite wet road conditions from rainfall.
