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© www.surfhog.com
A wave measuring more than 70 feet was recorded off the coast of Penzance this morning as the Cornish coastline was battered by gale-force winds and heavy rain.

A buoy set close to Penzance triggered a reading of 74.8 feet at 3.00am this morning, according to Cornwall-based surf website www.surfhog.com

It confirms the world's largest waves were off the coast of the Duchy this morning - higher than the swell off the coast of Nazare, Portugal, and dwarfing the 6ft surf that lapped against Australia's Bondi Beach.

West Cornwall has seen widespread flooding and destruction after a series of devastating storms blasted the coast.

In comparison big wave surfer, Devon-born Andrew Cotton, is believed to have ridden the 'biggest ever wave' in Nazare Portugal which stood at 80 feet.

According to surf forecasting website, Surf Storm, the largest waves on the face of the planet today have been crashing into the Cornwall, though most are unsurfable due to strong winds and large tides.

Emergency services have all issued a co-ordinated warning to only travel if absolutely necessary.