Black Swell: the wave height for January 6, 2014, at 6 am

Europe will be hit by one of the largest swells of the decade as strong winds, high tides, and large waves are coming in from the Atlantic Ocean.

The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are on high alert. A severe storm is already hitting the British Islands, and severe flood warnings are being issued across the territory.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) says people should protect themselves from the swell and keep a distance from piers and coastal defenses.

"They don't understand how dangerous the sea can be. We would say, please, please keep away from this water," warns Tom Mansell, an RNLI divisional operations manager and flood rescue team leader.

Cornwall and Mullaghmore Head will get a truly "Black Swell" as the fetch travels without losing energy until Tuesday, January 7th, 2014. Waves in the 48-foot plus range are guaranteed.

Portugal and the Galician region in Spain will also be affected by this extreme wave train between January 5th and 7th.

Only professional surfers are expected to hit the big waves during this "Black Swell." If you're a regular surfer, stay away from the ocean; otherwise, you'll put your life in danger.

Check the Wave Height Forecast for the British Islands and the Iberian Peninsula.

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