Big freeze: Ireland hit by record low temperatures

Ireland is being effected by the Big Freeze, with one county recording a record low temperature for December.

The air temperature in Sligo reached -16 degrees celcius overnight, and the Big Freeze is expected to last until at least Christmas Day.

Temperatures in the northwest and midlands will be between -7 and -8 degrees celcius all day today.

AA Warnings have been placed on roads in all four provinces, with rural areas of most concern at the moment.

"The main priority routes in urban areas are by and large functioning again," Sean Hogan of the Severe Weather Co-ordination Service said.

Salt is of major concern, with national supplies now below 10,000 tonnes, hopefully enough to last until the expected thaw on Christmas day.