A thrillseeker who was swept into the sea as Storm Eunice looms was helped back to safety by witnesses.
The ferocious backwash and undertow carried the woman swiftly away from shore at Towan beach in Newquay.
Fortunately she managed to regain safety with the help of onlookers.
Coastguards have asked people to avoid the Cornwall coasts during the red warning period from the Met Office.
The UK is bracing itself ahead of Storm Eunice with attractions closing, travel disruption and a major incident declared in some areas, meaning people are warned to stay indoors.
A rare red weather warning - the highest alert, meaning a high impact is very likely - has been issued by the Met Office due to the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge.
There is a risk of "flying debris resulting in danger to life" and "damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down" along the coastline of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset as well as the south coast of Wales from Friday morning.
The Cobra emergency committee met on Thursday "to discuss the response to Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice", the Government said.
Ministers have been urged to ensure the meeting results in an emergency support plan to deal with power cuts.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the Army is on standby to help those affected by Storm Eunice.
Amber warnings, the second highest alert level, for wind are in place across the whole of England from 5am to 9pm on Friday, while yellow weather warnings, the next level down, for wind and snow are in force for a large part of Scotland - where blizzards are predicted - and the whole of Northern Ireland.
Severe and significant flooding may also take place along the coastlines of the south and west of England as spring tides are expected on Friday morning.
A number of attractions, including the London Eye, Legoland and Warwick Castle, are temporarily closing.
