A strong summer thunderstorm brought heavy rain and hail to Sofia late Monday afternoon, with large pieces of ice, some reportedly the size of walnuts, falling across much of the capital, including central areas.
Hail was reported in several parts of the city, including Ovcha Kupel, Lyulin, Druzhba and Lozenets, while storms also affected the areas around Bankya, Bozhurishte and Kostinbrod. Forecasters expected the storm to move toward Obelya and Nadezhda.
The intense rainfall quickly turned some of Sofia's main streets and boulevards into temporary rivers, while the combination of heavy rain and hail caused difficult conditions across the city.
The Sofia fire department said it had received seven reports of fallen trees following the storm. Four fire engines with 12 firefighters were deployed to deal with the incidents and clear affected areas.
The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology had issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms and intense short-term rainfall, including hail, covering 16 regions, mainly in Western and Central Bulgaria.
