‘Prolonged’ cold snap to continue into the new year

THE new year is set for a freezing start with nighttime temperatures likely to fall to as low as -10C in some parts of the country.

An inclement start to 2010 follows a windy and icy finish to 2009 as road and rail services were disrupted yesterday due to the continuing cold snap.

Hazardous road conditions were reported across the country with flooding in counties Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow while high winds meant trees and debris added to the difficulties for motorists.