Hell has frozen over. Now what?

AS temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere plummet, it's so cold that even Hell has frozen over.

WITH sub-zero temperatures creating havoc across the Northern Hemisphere, it's so cold Hell has frozen over.

That goes for both Hell, Michigan, in the US and its European namesake, Hell, Norway.

The US weather service issued a warning to stay indoors to avoid the bitter cold, frostbite and hypothermia, in Hell, Michigan, as wind chills between -15C and -25C hit.

For once, Hell, Norway, is warmer than its US counterpart. Temperatures were expected to reach as high as 5C on Wednesday, but will again drop below zero over the coming days. Its average January temperatures are between -4C and 3C.

Pictures: Surf's up as big freeze hits

Gallery: Extreme weather in US and Europe

News_Image_File: Fans queue in Hell, Michigan, to buy "666" merchandise to mark the date 6/6/06. Picture: Getty News_Image_File: A popular backdrop for tourist photos in Hell Norway, Hell Station.

Both towns are tourist drawcards, with visitors flocking for their chance to go to Hell.

The Norwegian name "Hell" originates from an old Norwegian word, "Hellir", meaning a cave hidden by an overhanging cliff.

There are a couple of theories behind the name of the US town. One suggests the name originated from a German expression "So schon hell" (So beautifully bright), while another suggests it was because of "hell-like" conditions experienced by early explorers in the region.

Over the years, local businesses have attempted to cash in on their town's notoriety, with quirky stunts including selling "a piece of Hell" - for $6.66, of course - and invitations to tourists to "Have a Hell of a holiday". Tickets to Hell and back were popular on the Norwegian rail line that passed through the town, and there

The opportunities for pun fun and devilish gimmicks are endless.

Over to you: Tell us what you'd do - or who you'd like to send - on a trip to Hell by posting a comment below.

News_Rich_Media: Welcome to Hell