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Three explorers were brought to safety following a underground operation continuing for 30 hours during "terrible weather" throughout Storm Amy.

The veteran spelunkers became trapped in the challenging Dowber Gill Passage, near Grassington.

Emergency services were alerted in the evening Thursday night after they didn't come back and a family member notified the police.

Volunteer groups confirmed in excess of 100 team members participated in the challenging mission, which was hampered by storm impacts, rising waters, difficult landscape along with long hours underground.

When the explorers were discovered during the night on Friday, rising water levels signified the simplest way out was inaccessible, forcing both teams to find alternative routes.

Rescue team leader described the way if they had reached the cavers a bit earlier, they all could have been home "in time for breakfast".

"Unfortunately conditions took an unexpected turn in store," he stated.

"The primary risk was flooding and possibly in specific areas underground, being overwhelmed by water.

"Had the water level risen in those places, conditions would have turned exceptionally risky."

Neighbouring response units provided support, such as several professional response teams.

The underground teams operated in shifts to guide the exhausted cavers to safety, meanwhile above-ground teams experienced "appalling" elements to keep contact and coordinate resources.

During the operation, volunteers erected a diversion with protective covering to carry increasing waters away from the access point.

First trapped individual was brought to safety around 3:30 PM on Friday, followed by another in the early morning that Saturday and the last explorer two hours later.

Each explorer sustained injuries however team coordinator confirmed they were completely drained due to being chilled and soaked over two days.

"It takes determined people to survive that experience," he said.

The team finally stood down in the morning.

Even though tempest had been forecast to impact from Friday afternoon, rescue officials stated the expedition planned by the men proved "entirely appropriate" accounting for their experience along with the weather conditions that day.

Yet, heavy rain begun prematurely plus with greater force than forecast.

The men provided crucial information of their route – beginning their journey to their destination – prior to departure, while officials confirmed these details "made the difference".

"Without that notification from the relative, awareness would have been delayed the cavers hadn't returned before somebody saw vehicles left outside the cave for several days," he continued.