A large weather system will bring heavy and extensive snowfall to all of Bulgaria – except for the southeast corner, the Bulgarian Meteorological Institute was quoted as saying on January 19 2010.

The blizzard will be most intense in eastern Bulgaria and in central Stara Planina where snow cover is likely to exceed 25cm and with 25cm already accumulated, may reach up to half a metre, the report says.

The situation in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country will be exacerbated by strong and sustained northerly winds which are likely to create dangerous cornices, and will subsequently result in poor visibility, causing serious obstruction to safety and traffic. As of 11am Varna already accounts for nearly 30cm of snow as the blizzard there has been ongoing for more than 16 hours. Many other areas in the east and northeast are subjected to severe weather.

Western Bulgaria will also see snowfall, albeit considerably milder in intensity compared to the eastern and central parts of the country. Southwestern Bulgaria, meanwhile, will escape the onslaught with occasional scattered cloud formations.

And while the snow falling in abundance may be a nuisance and a problem in most areas, where it is needed most, Bansko, Vitosha and Borovets, it will be relatively insignificant, according to the report.

In an experience seeming to contradict this report, however, residents in the southern Sofia borough of Boyana reported "heavy snowfall" on the morning of January 19. Mild snowfall was also reported in Bansko.

Temperatures at 1200m will be at around -5C while at 2000m elevation temperatures will fall to -10C but the wind-chill factor will be substantial.

Along the Black Sea coast it will be windy, cold and a "significant" snow cover is expected to accumulate, with temperatures ranging between 0C and -4C.

The Mountain Rescue Service has warned skiers and mountaineers to be aware of the formation of dangerous cornices that could launch avalanches. Skiers should remain at designated slopes.

This report will be subjected to updates as the system unfolds.