Torrential rain brought flash flooding to parts of Devon and Somerset on Tuesday night, with emergency services forced to carry out evacuations and declare a major incident.

Locals on Wednesday begun a huge clean up operation after properties in worst-hit areas were drenched in water reaching 4ft-high.

A Met Office yellow warning for thunderstorms remains in place, meaning parts of the UK could again be hit by heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail.

But what is causing the flash flooding? The Telegraph takes a closer look.

The <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/10/somerset-flash-floods-mudslides-major-incident-uk-weather/">flash flooding</a> seen in parts of Devon and Somerset is the result of a heavy downpour in a short amount of time, concentrated in one spot.

Extreme rainfall events are expected to become more common as the climate warms{ai:summary}<p>Rain caused flash flooding in Devon and Somerset, resulting in evacuations and a major incident. People are now cleaning up after water reached up to 4ft-high in some areas. The UK may see more heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail due to a Met Office warning for thunderstorms that remains in place. Flash flooding occurs when a heavy downpour is concentrated in one area.</p>

The flash flooding in Devon and Somerset explained

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