Shoppers to bear hurricane-force winds on busiest day of year

Shoppers are being warned they will have to battle the elements, as well as people's elbows, on what is traditionally one of the busiest days of the year in stores.

Met Eireann has issued a severe weather warning, with almost hurricane-force winds forecast.

The west and north-west of the country is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with snow and sleet possible in some parts, as temperatures plummet to as low as minus two degrees.

Met Eireann said the cold conditions are set to continue into early next week.