There is the potential for severe gales to develop across Cornwall during Thursday night and into Friday as a huge area of low pressure barrels towards the county, with huge surf set to batter the coast.

Billed as the first winter super storm, the rapidly deepening low pressure system is forecast to bottom out at 930 millibars, before slowly easing from the west.

Billed as 'Black Wednesday' by Ben Freeston, head forecaster at wave forecasting gurus Magic Seaweed, he said that last year hurricane force systems like this with names like Hercules broke records and sea defences, cutting off train lines, and reshaping the coastline. 

He added: "With forecast sea heights at peak now touching 60ft comparisons, even this early, with last year's Hercules super storm aren't unreasonable."

The Met Office says that a band of heavy rain will accompany the low pressure system, this pushing quickly southeast through the day.

In addition to the very strong winds, some overtopping waves are possible on western and southern coasts, and people should be aware of the risk of disruption to travel and perhaps power supplies.

According to the chief forecaster, to the south of this low pressure centre, gales, or severe gales are likely to develop, with gusts to 50-60 mph quite widely in the warning area. 

Gusts in excess of 70 mph may develop in exposed spots, especially along English Channel coasts, where large waves could bring a risk of spray and overtopping. A period of heavy rain may also make for tricky driving conditions at times, this perhaps turning to snow over northern hills later.

Adding: "This is a very dynamic situation, and details of this development will likely change. As such, this alert will be updated in the coming days as confidence grows in track and timing of this low pressure system."